Masena

The Masenas are a sapient species which inhabits Thuria (known to them as Ladan, and to Earthlings as Phobos), a moon of Barsoom (known to Earthlings as Mars).

Biology
Masenas are approximately humanoid creatures with a single large eye on their faces and two mouths, positioned one above the other. The eye is about 3 inches in diameter (~ 7.6 cm) and has a vertical slit pupil similar to a cat's. The lower mouth is large and lipless, bearing formidable white teeth in what appears to be a perpetual grin. The upper mouth, which is the one used for drinking and speaking, is smaller, round and toothless, with slightly protruding lips controlled by a sphincter-like muscle. A flat wide nose with upturned nostrils, a pair of small orifices for ears positioned near the top of the head, and a crest of stiff yellowish hair complete their alien semblance. They can change the color of their skin to match their surroundings, providing effective camouflage.

Masenas are naturally arboreal creatures and have five digits on their hands and feet. Their fingers and toes are much longer than those of a Human. Hands and feet are both equipped with an opposeable digit, which is considerably shorter than the other four and positioned laterally at a right angle.

Masenas are carnivorous and use their powerful lower mouths to kill their prey. They then use their toothless upper mouths to suck the prey's nutritious blood, before switching to the lower mouth again to devour the dry carcass.

Their natural speech consists of cat-like vocalizations such as purring and meowing, although they can also speak the more Human-like language of the Tarids. Additionally, they display typical cat-like behaviour such as "playing" with small prey by repeatedly ambushing it and letting it escape before going back for the kill. Unlike cats, however, Masenas appear to be diurnal, as they've been observed to hunt during the day and sleep at night.

Culture and society
Masenas live in the forests of their homeworld and build their houses on top of trees. They are not a numerous species and prefer to keep away from the other Thurian races, although they have no qualms about hunting and eating other sapient races when the latter venture into Masena territory. Conversely, some Masenas have been known to befriend other sapients, and they make loyal allies. While they're not familiar with bladed weapons, their natural agility and powerful mandibles allow them to engage in combat with Tarid swordsmen on equal grounds.

Appearances

 * Swords of Mars, by Edgar Rice Burroughs (1935)