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| ===Origin=== | | ===Origin=== |
| {{Bulbanews|On the Origin of Species: Dunsparce}} | | {{Bulbanews|On the Origin of Species: Dunsparce}} |
| Dunsparce is based on the mythical {{wp|Tsuchinoko}}, a serpentine {{wp|cryptid}} of Japan. Similar to {{wp|Bigfoot}} or the {{wp|Chupacabra}}, sightings and reports appear in Japanese media; however, hard evidence is always lacking. Tsuchinoko are 30 cm to 80 cm long, with a large head and poisonous fangs. Its body is thicker than its head and tail. The noises it makes resemble squeaks, chirps, and snores. Unlike real {{wp|snake}}s, which slither from side to side, a Tsuchinoko wiggles ahead in a straight line. The Tsuchinoko curls its body to leap through the air. | | Dunsparce is based on the snake-like {{wp|Tsuchinoko}} cryptid of Japan; it appears to be a visual pun on ''bachi hebi'' (''bee snake''), as the creature is known in some regions, combining bee- and snake-like features. |
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| Moreover, the fact that Dunsparce, a snakelike creature, has wings also brings to mind the motif of the {{wp|Feathered Serpent}}, a prominent deity or supernatural being in many {{wp|Mesoamerican religion}}s. In addition, Dunsparce shares some traits with {{wp|bumblebee}}s, including their stripes, tiny wings, stinger-like tail, and the fact that they burrow into the ground. This may be a visual pun inspired by the name "bachi hebi" (literally "bee snake"), which the Tsuchinoko is also known by. Dunsparce also may draw some inspiration from {{wp|amphisbaenia}}ns, small, blind reptiles that lack limbs and are adept burrowers, much like Dunsparce.
| | Dunsparce may also draw some inspiration from {{wp|Sphingidae|sphinx moth caterpillars}}, also known as hornworms, which are sometimes mistaken for the Tsuchinoko. This is mostly apparent from its ring-circled eyes that resemble the {{wp|Eyespot (mimicry)|eyespots}} of some species, combined with its horn-like tail. It's closed eyes may reference blind cave-dwelling animals. |
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| Alternatively, in addition to being a pun on "bachi hebi", Dunsparce may draw inspiration from {{wp|Sphingidae|sphinx moth caterpillars}}, which are sometimes mistaken for the Tsuchinoko. This is mostly apparent from its ring-circled eyes that resemble the {{wp|Eyespot (mimicry)|eyespots}} of some species, combined with its horn-like tail.
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| ====Name origin==== | | ====Name origin==== |