William OConnor - Dracopedia Field Guide: Dragons of the World from Amphipteridae Through Wyvernae

THE STAFF OF NORTH LIGHT AND IMPACT BOOKS was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of artist William OConnor in early 2018, shortly after he began work on the Dracopedia Field Guide. Bill was thought of fondly by all who worked with him on his five previous books, and we will miss him dearly.

We would like to thank Jeff Menges for his gracious and invaluable assistance in helping us complete Bills vision for this book, and for inviting many of Bills colleagues and friends to participate as contributors. We would also like to thank Jeffs wife, Lynne Menges, for her support and review of the books text during the writing process.

The following artists have our sincerest thanks for providing artwork for this project: Samantha OConnor, Tom Kidd, Scott Fischer, Donato Giancola, Dan dos Santos, Mark Poole, David O. Miller, Jeremy McHugh, Pat Lewis, Jeff A. Menges, Christine Myshka and Rich Thomas.

Our best wishes go out to Bills family and friends. The scope of the world that this fantastic artist invented with Dracopedia is incredible, and we will always remember him and his beautiful, imaginative creations.

Noel Rivera

Managing Content Director

North Light & IMPACT Books

Striped Amphiptere

Pencil and digital

14" 22" (36cm 56cm)

The winged serpent, a common dragon, is a legless serpent with leather wings, ranging from tiny 6" (15cm) garden asps to larger specimens of 6' (183cm). The bat-like wings of the amphiptere allow the creature to travel a range of large distances, but the amphiptere does not usually soar like a bird; rather, it covers its ground using short flying and gliding. The amphipteres coloration varies greatly from species to species, and it feeds primarily on small creatures such as insects, bats, birds and mice. Coming in hundreds of varieties, in various sizes, colors and shapes, and ranging in habitat all over the world, the winged serpent is one of the most common wild members of the dragon class.

The amphiptere is found in all temperate to tropical countries (except Ireland). Today, amphiptere are commonly kept as pets. Rare and beautiful species of winged serpents with exotic patterns are popular in the black markets of Malaysia and India, and imported to Europe and North America. This illegal trade has introduced amphipteridae into ecosystems not intended to support them.

Amphiptere in Flight

The amphiptere is rarely mistaken for a bird in flight. Its sinuous tail is both an identifying trait and its chief tool in catching prey.

Amphiptere Habitat

Deep woods and forests are the natural habitat of the amphiptere, but some may also be found living in urban environments.

Amphiptere Egg,
4" (10cm)

The amphiptere makes its nests high in trees, but also has been known to use the nests of other birds.

Amphipteridae spend most of their lives in trees and forests. Nesting in high branches, the amphiptere glides between trees, catching insects and small rodents. In this respect the amphiptere is a welcome creature to most farmers. Unfortunately, some amphiptere will find its way into the nests of other birds, looking for eggs. In the henhouses of domesticated chickens, cross-fertilization often occurs, which can result in the hatching of a half-amphiptere, half-chicken, commonly known as a cockatrice. The cockatrice is viewed as a scourge and killed on sight all over the world. Its terrible appearance is responsible for the mythology that its gaze can paralyze its prey to stone, thus erroneously placing it in close relationship to the basilisk (see ).

The Cockatrice

The cockatrice is a hybrid between the amphitere and domesticated fowl.

The amphiptere has historically been regarded as a creature of mixed fortune, and today its a greatly misunderstood animal. Since they live on a diet of vermin, the amphiptere is a welcome addition in cities, and there are many that live in New York City, making nests in the high perches of skyscrapers. The endless supply of rats, mice and pigeons help keep urban areas free of the diseases spread by vermin.

The Grip of a Snake

The amphipteres slender body can be wrapped around tree limbs, allowing it to snatch its unsuspecting prey.

Easily identified by its unique split tail, the swallowtail amphiptere is commonly found in rural environments, where it can be seen as both an aid and a hindrance. While it will keep rodents in check, it is not above occasionally taking smaller livestock as well.