Mytrobi

This article is a part of Summer Camp 2023 and is still a work in progress.

Originally undiscovered for a long time because they are a nervous creature and avoid humans, the Mytrobi are one of the native species on Desnand in the Leporis System. Most biologists give credit to them escaping observation for a long time because not only of their small size (barely more than an Old Terran rabbit) but because of their advanced communication system of motions.

Physical Characteristics

No bigger than the size of an Old Terran rabbit, the Mytrobi vary between bipedal and quadrupedal. Their much heavier hind legs are capable of holding them up on only two legs but their forelegs are developed enough that they can also move on all fours. When running or climbing, it is more often that one will see a Mytrobi on all fours rather than two.
To help them blend into their surroundings, the Mytrobi have usually dull fur colors with slightly off-color stripes or other patterns depending on where they are on the planet. Like an Old Terran tiger, this allows them to blend into their surroundings.
Besides their fur patterns, the two most noticable traits of the Mytrobi are their large black eyes and their long, fur tipped ears.

General Behavior

Mytrobi are usually nervous about humans and will avoid them at all costs. However, if they do become familiar with their presence, they will eventually become incredibly friendly and curious. This occurred with the research team who came to attempt to observe rumors of them, when several curious Mytrobi slowly began to trust them. Aaron Howards made several sketches of the Mytrobi because of this close interaction during his time on the planet.

Communication

The advanced communication system the Mytrobi have naturally developed over the years allowed them to elude humans for quite some time after the planet was initially settled. This system of communication relies most heavily on their long, fur-tipped ears but also involves their fur patterns.
For the most part, the main communication comes from the position and alignment of their ears. Here are some examples that the research team who found them recorded:

• Both ears back, flat against neck: Awkward or Nervous
• Both ears forward, overshadidng the eyes: Alert or Danger
• One ear back against neck, other moving up and down: Uncertain or Confused

The other part of their communication system is that their fur will also seemingly glow with colors when this warning message occurs. Usually these colors respond to specific placements of the ears but sometimes they will tell a mood before the position of their ears ever do. Here are some examples:

• Bright Blue: Nervous
• Dark Blue: Sad
• Yellow: Fear

Upon closer observation, these colors don't come from the Mytrobi's fur itself but from colorful spines that are scattered throughout the patterns on their fur. Typically these spines are clear but can have electrical impulses sent through them that will spark off the colors within them.

---

Credits: Art was created by Terion.

Sketch by Aaron Howards of a friendly Mytrobi that was curious about the research team.