Variation on a Theme

Pictured is an example of an A. arborensis individual presenting a short pelt phenotype. People with this type of photosynthetic "fur" typically originate from the brighter equatorial regions of their world, where the sunlight required for them to produce vital nutrients is more readily available. This individual is likely of mixed ancestry, as short haired folk also commonly lean towards having a more purple hue to their fronds. 

Anomalosapiens arborensis, like other Vishnuvian megafauna, rely on a mixture of photosynthetic pigments similar to the terrestrial phycobilins  found in cyanobacteria. The exact expression of pigments is variable depending on heritage, allowing for pelts to range in color from red to orange to purple. Individuals from temperate climates tend to express longer "fur" in warmer colors, while those hailing from hotter and brighter climes have shorter hair in cooler hues.  

______________

I feel like I'm finally honing in on some of the finer aspects of this species' anatomy. While I'm not particularly fond of this drawing, it's still one of the better representations of how these creatures appear in my mind.

I've finally refined how their paws work... four cartilaginous fingers mounted above a gripping pad, surrounding a single retractable claw. The thumbs of the front paws are mildly opposable, while the middle arms are fully dedicated to manipulation and fold beneath the chest membrane when not in use. Their bodies are much more flexible than they appear, relying to a great extent on a combination of mutable collagenous tissue and fine muscles for maneuverability and leverage. This, coupled with a skeletal structure of tough, fibrous organic polymers allows them to contort in to a variety of positions or stiffen their bodies in ways a human could not.

Two spiracles beneath the mandible are used for breathing, and two ocelli flanking the main eye help the creature to orient itself in space.