Info
By Praetor3005!
Check my author page for more stuff
Special thanks to Sky3,
ReyDay,
Spectre48 and
msluce09 for crit!
| Firemoths | |
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| Photography of a dead firemoth by M.E.G. entomologist Sebastian Muller. | |
| Classification | |
| PLACEHOLDERTITLE | PLACEHOLDERINFORMATION |
| Trivia | |
| PLACEHOLDERTITLE | PLACEHOLDERINFORMATION |
Generalities and Context
Firemoths are a subspecies of Deathmoths found exclusively in the Terror Hotel. They were discovered nine days after the apparition of the Blackout phenomenon in Level 5. The main physical difference from their parent species is their ability to produce light from their abdomen, like a firefly from The Frontrooms.
The first instances of the subspecies have been found in one of the kitchens near the Housekeeping outpost by an expedition team looking for food. Approximately ten of those specimens were hanging below the joists and edges of the roof, producing a yellow light similar to those of the many candelabras that were used to light the level. Although the expedition team was concerned at first, as female Deathmoths are typically aggressive, they quickly realized that those insects were far more docile, acting more as supports (see Behaviors). Following the team during the rest of their duty, the ten specimens came back to Housekeeping, where they were studied.
Since then, several more sightings of Firemoths have been recorded by The M.E.G., Homely Hotel and Hermes-5. While Deathmoths still exist in the Terror Hotel, their hunting tactics put them at a disadvantage in this new environment, compared to the evolved Firemoth (see Behaviors).
Biology
image http://praetor.wikidot.com/local--files/firemoths/diagram
Firemoths share almost the same features as their Deathmoth counterpart, which also share most of their physical attributes with Frontrooms moths1. Like Deathmoths, they are abnormally large, being almost a meter long with both of their wings open.
They possess the same reniform spots2 types, which are used as a way to hide in the complex patterns of the Terror Hotel wallpaper. In the case of Deathmoths, it allows them to hide and ambush Nguithr'xurhs, Death Rats and Plague Goblins, but also humans in some cases. For Firemoths, however, this pattern isn't used for hunting, but rather as a way to hide from other entities like Growlers or Smilers, who have adapted to the Blackout and still act as their natural predators.
acid-spitting properties
Simplified diagram of the place of the Deathmoth species in the ecosystem of the Terror Hotel prior to Blackout.
Unlike their parent species, Firemoths possess the ability to produce light from their abdomens, similar to the fireflies of the Photurinae species3. Although the process is still poorly understood4, it seems to be achieved through the production of luciferin, a light-emitting molecule, through a chemical process. Unlike fireflies, however, both males and females can produce light without any difference. In addition, the emitted light is more like that of a fire, instead of the green light created by the Frontrooms fireflies. Like the patterns of their reniform spots, it is most likely an evolution element linked to the environment of the Terror Hotel, far less verdant than the forested fields of the real world.
This singular trait was the product of a swift evolution of the Deathmoth species into a new entity; One able to thrive in the harsh environment of the post-Blackout Terror Hotel. Indeed, as the phenomenon turned off the lights of the level5, adaptation was sorely needed for Deathmoths, a sight-based hunting species, in order to ensure survival. While some entities in the Terror Hotel morphed by developing new senses like echolocation6, or enhanced their eyesight past what was thought possible7, some Deathmoths started to produce their own light, similar to the one that once shone in the red corridors that used to be their hunting grounds. Since the growth of baby Deathmoths8 is known to take at least a month, is it highly likely that those mutations appeared on already-born individuals, as Firemoths started to appear in the Terror Hotel as early as six days after the start of the event.
Behaviors
This species lives by forming "flights", usually composed of no more than ten individuals. Like Deathmoths, only the female specimens of the Firemoth species gather food for the flight. However, with the occurrence of the Blackout, they abandoned their predacious nature to have more of a support role in the food chain of the Terror Hotel, with their new traits used to their fullest. Indeed, as many species in Level 5 still require light to hunt, Firemoths are able to light the way for these predators. This can be by either disguising themselves as a candelabra thanks to their wing pattern and bioluminescent abdomen reminiscent of a candlelight, or by flying above the other creature, guiding it to an unsuspecting prey. In both cases, this allows the Firemoth to guide a predator it to said prey without scraring it away thanks to their camoflage. The Firemoth can then let the other predator take the risk of the fight, and take the meat of whoever lost the combat for the flight to eat. Although they technically lose resources, as the predator usually serves itself first on the victim, the symbiotic nature of their hunting technique allows for more safety, something the Firemoth uses to its advantage. what about the queen?
Photo of a male Firemoth on a wall of Housekeeping.
Male Firemoths remain in the location they deem as their nest, and are very territorial, scaring away or even killing any entity that they deem to be a threat to said nest. They manage the resources of their home, and can be seen feeding the newborns until they are able to fly. Therefore, they are typically stationary, seemingly sleeping on the walls or ceilings, only moving when attacked or if they see a threat coming for their nest.
As they do not act as active human predators anymore9, most outposts in the Terror Hotel have "adopted" several flights of the species. In exchange for constant food gathered by the collectors of those bases, Firemoths10 act as a biological source of light for all members to use to their advantage. As they usually sleep on the roof of the rooms or corridors of the level, they effectively act as fleshy light bulbs for residents of those outposts, who seemed to have earned the trust of the Firemoths inhabiting the bases.
Zoomed-in photography of a female Firemoth, taken during a M.E.G. expedition.
In addition, female Firemoths, having been partially tamed by humans, can assist expedition teams looking for food or resources, providing a much-needed natural and reliable light source. Therefore, female Firemoths can typically be seen flying above their expedition team in a circle, sometimes even resting on the shoulder of one of the team members if they trust them enough. For the animal to be satisfied with an expedition, it is advised to either find a food stash or kill an entity, letting the Firemoth feed and take meat for the flight in either case.
"Taming" a Firemoth can be a very tedious task, as not all harbor the same curiosities. Nevertheless, if one can engineer a situation that will show the entity the benefits humans can provide, such as a source of stable food, shelter, and companionship, a symbiotic relationship can form. This relationship can even manifest itself as a bond between individuals, similar to how falcons can bond with their falconer. Though the allegiance of singular Firemoths is still upon their flight, they will still follow their companion, sometimes even giving their life to protect one from a dangerous entity. As Firemoths do not typically engage in any fight, instead guiding the fighter, this is further proof of how much trust they can give to a species that helps them in return. Therefore, Firemoths are one of the few species in the Backrooms who are able to help mankind during harsh times as symbiotic beings.
from Lute - "@Bluetor make firemoths be able to carry ppl missed fking oppurtunity death moths can carry ppl to their deaths so why cant firemoths carry ppl out of danger checkmate french neko"
In the horrors of the Backrooms, none of us could have expected a foe of the past to become our greatest ally. Yet, in the Blackout, the line between predator and prey blurs itself, as we start adapting by changing our ways. Whether it is the work of Autocorrect or Synthesial Reversal, there is no denying that the start of the Blackout allowed for a new unique type of cross-species collaboration. We now rely on our tamed Firemoth flights for light, as some of our members even became some kind of falconer with those unnatural insects. Our life in darkness might be difficult, but this is proof we can reach a balance, a light at the end of the tunnel.
May the glimmer of Hope never end. Even in the dark, we still shine together.
Sebastian Muller, Housekeeping Entomologist
