Homo Vampyrus, or Vampyr is a symbiotic hominid, related to our ancestors, Homo Erectus. It is believed that a population of Erectus encountered a pathogen that drastically altered its anatomy, adapting a frugivorous mammal into a carnivore. The earliest forms of Vampyr are known as Upir, or Hominis Nosferatu. The pathogen, later identified as a parvovirus, instigated genetic mutations that augmented much of the body to suit its own ends. It requires iron to perform various metabolic functions, and it ingests this by requiring the host to consume large amounts of flesh - mostly the liver and kidneys, and will also consume blood. The parvovirus is secreted from a modified saliva gland, along a canal in the canines in the maxilla. These cuspids distend from the jaw via powerful musculature. This is the viral delivery system. Vampyr possess remarkable healing capabalities, they do not age - the natural erosion of telomeres at the end of chromosomes are replenished by the virus. rendering them somewhat immortal. However, their blood pressure is so high, that severe wounds can lead to catastrophic blood loss. Vampyr are susceptible to ultra-violet radiation - the virus encourages bacteria to replace the mitochondria in cells. The bacteria will break down in sunlight, leading to necrosis in the tissue. Vampyr are born naturally, but the virus can also be transmitted to humans and other primates. Feral vampyr, or infectees, should be considered somewhat seperate from Upir, or High Vampyr. Below you will find a series of images of specimens dedicated to the study of this species.