thanks for the detailed report!
the outline around the character is to indicate evolution, as you change to your new form,
so not intended as a shield! ( though you are invulnerable while evolving )
the wings should also be blinking between the two different types, i'll sort this out in the next version!
I'm still working on how the abilities remain / unlock as you change form,
at the moment you have a 5 creature ability history, even though visually its only 3
but i'm planning a different in-game method of locking an ability as currently its not obvious enough!
Cheers!