Mirebiter

Overview

Mirebiters are small, aggressive biting insects native to the humid jungles and swamplands of Suriima. Though only an inch or two in size, these creatures can be a mighty nuisance, particularly during swarming season, and their bites can be relatively potent. Mirebiters curiously go through two metamorphosises in their lives. The natural cocoon stage. However, following the mating process, Mirebiters undergo a fatal change that leaves behind a valuable byproduct know as Mirebite Resin.

Appearance

Mirebiters begin life as dark, grub-like larvae coated in the Mirebite Resin left behind. As they mature, this resin becomes their cocoon, before eventually turning into winged insects resembling bloated mosquitoes with translucent wings, iridiscent carapaces in shades of deep green or black and a curved, retractable proboscis designed for piercing flesh. Whilst they produce no light of their own, the light that makes it through the canopy naturally reflects of their bodies, and in swarming seasons, the event can be quite hypnotic to watch.

Behaviour

Adult mirebiters are most active when the fauna of the jungles are most active too. They are highly territorial and instinctively aggressive, biting any nearby warm-blooded creatures to feed on their blood. Though each bite is minor in direct damage, it can cause severe itching and swelling and in rare cases, mild paralysis. They are, thankfully, repelled by anything that repels most biting insects such as Swamp's Kiss.

When the time comes in the year to find a mate, their swarming event rarely lasts more than a few hours, with thousands of mirebiters congregating in areas with favourable conditions.

Life Cycle

Mirebiters undergo the traditional three-phase life cycle of larval insects. Changing from larvae, to pupae, to adults, before dying following reproduction. This full cycle lasts one year. After mating, the mirebiter's internal organs begin to liquefy, creating the resinous substance that is excreted from their abdominal sacs as they die. The secretion hardens quickly into Mirebite Resin, which coats the area, leaving a vast patch of the resin where a swarm once was. The newborn larvae will eat the remnants of their parents, whilst coating themselves in the resin.

Mirebite Resin

The resin is dark, stick, and has a notably pungent scent. It is prized by alchemists and priests alike. Resin harvesters must act quickly, though, as it only remains in an optimum consistency for a few days before hardening completely.

Cultural Signifance

Mirebiters are mostly a nuisance. However, certain jungle-dwelling shamans view their swarms as an omen of death or rebirth, and they use the resin in protective charms or ritual pastes.