Nightdrops
Write about a dangerous insect or animal in your world
Basic Information
Anatomy
Nightdrops have the appearance of sheets that are an inky black with a slight pearlescence to their skin when light is able to reach them. They have a diamond shape and grow to be at most 3 metres long on their wide side. they are relatively thin and contain no skeletal structure within and no apparent sensory organs. However their underside is covered in many very tiny razor like spines which are able to shred it's prey until it is a mulch that can be easily absorbed over time. It has been noted that their 'skin' is incredibly tough and resists cutting and piercing very well, as such when they are able to hunt one the Vahtmus kin are known to fashion durable armours from it, though these are considered highly prized.
Genetics and Reproduction
Nightdrops reproduce asexually and have been seen to split into two new individuals. Occasionally they may reproduce sexually but this is rare as they do not often come into contact with one another owing to a preference for solitary hunting behaviours.
Growth Rate & Stages
It is unknown how long a Nightdrop will survive. It is known that they grow very slowly owing to the scarcity of food and their slow body processes, so some have speculated that they may live for quite a long time assuming that they can maintain a continual food source.
Ecology and Habitats
Nightdrops prefer dark and relatively cool climates with a reasonable to high degree of humidity. As such, they are typically only found in the lower sections of the Upper City and most notably throughout the Lower City, where the climate is cooler and more humid. They reside on the ceilings of rooms and corridors from where they may 'drop' onto their prey, hence their common name.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Nightdrops are carnivorous in nature, they require that a living being fall prey to their ambush tactics so that they may feed. They commonly reside on ceilings and will drop onto their prey, then in utter silence will begin to suffocate their victims whilst shredding them with tiny teeth like spines on their undersides. Death usually occurs within 10 minutes due to asphyxiation, however the feeding process itself can take weeks depending on the size of the prey. A small animal will keep a Nightdrop fed for a week, a large one for several months or more.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
How Nightdrops are able to perceive the world around them is a mystery to those who have been able to find and study them without themselves falling prey to their ambush tactics. It is theorised that they detect the presence of heat or sound and are able to calculate their distance from their surroundings somehow.
Scientific Name
Strangulum Noctis
Geographic Distribution
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