Picture on Page Twelve
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N A M E :
L A T I N M E A N I N G :
I D E N T I F I C A T I O N :
R A N G E A N D H A B I T A T :
N I C H E S :
B E N E F I T S :
O F F S P R I N G :
C O M P A R A B L E B E A S T S :
R A N G E M A P
THE ROPERITE.
(Rhynchoropus flagelliformis.)
In the foothills of the Sierras, where the Digger pine grows,
dwells one of the most peculiarly specialized animals to be
found anywhere on the American continent. No one knows its
life-history, even approximately, and many a discussion has
been based upon the question as to whether the beast is born,
hatched from eggs, or comes into existence spontaneously from
some mountain cavern. The Digger Indians say that roperites
are the spirits of early Spanish ranchers, and blood-curdling
are the tales they tell of hapless creatures pursued by the beast,
snared with its marvelous rope-like beak, and dragged to death
through thorny chaparral. No man or animal can hope to
outrun it. It steps upon road-runners or kicks them out of the
way, and no obstacle appears sufficient to stop its progress or
even slacken its speed, as it seemingly half flies, half bounds
across the rugged country which it inhabits. Its leathery skin
is impervious to thorn and its flipper-legs uninjured by the
sharpest rocks. According to A. B. Patterson, of Hot Springs,
California, who saw the last roperite authentically reported,
the animal has a large set of rattles on its tail, which it vibrates
when in pursuit of game, thus producing a whirling sound like
that of giant rattler. The effect of this upon an animal closely
pursued may be imagined. Lumbermen operating in the region
between Pitt River and the southern end of the Sierras are
urgently requesting to make every effort to secure a living
specimen of the roperite.#############################
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