Reshtadgom

I created this creature for the May 2010 Splice contest.

Designed as an underground explosives transporter, the Reshtadgom is a creature spliced from the genetics of a dwarf campbell's russian hamster, a naked mole rat, and a trace of desert hedgehog. Here is how the genetics majorly contribute:

Hamster - - - short life span . . . small size . . . nocturnal . . . ability to squeeze through small spaces . . . cheek storage pouches

Mole Rat - - - ability to reduce its metabolism . . . inability to feel pain . . . large, protruding teeth . . . digging claws

Hedgehog - - - small defensive spines on body and longer spines on tail

FUN FACTS
Like the naked mole rat, the Reshtadgom lacks the neurotransmitter, substance 'P', that enables sensation of pain.
Like most other rodents its large teeth never stop growing so it constantly needs to gnaw on something; the Reshtadgoms teeth, however, are incredibly durable and set with strong jaw muscles, given time it can burrow through concrete.
Able to slow its metabolism down by about 25%, this little rodent can withstand long bouts of starvation and dehydration.
Their incisors can be moved independently, like a shovel or like chopsticks.
They are able to run forwards and backwards.

* Body Color = reddish brown w/ flecks of gold
* Eye Color = grey
* Intelligence = standard lab rat
* Length = 3.5in-5in
* Weight = anout 2lbs
* Agility = 12mph-18mph