Mirrored Roaches

Mirrored Roaches (Cryptogaster reflectiva) are an advanced class of hyper-adaptive scavengers endemic to contaminated habitats and collapse-zones across Thauzuno. Measuring under 6 cm and operating in dense, mobile swarms, these organisms are equipped with dermal photonic cells—bioengineered chromatophores that reflect ambient light, effectively camouflaging the swarm against nearly any backdrop. This cloaking effect leads to frequent misidentification as shimmer distortions or sensor anomalies. Mirrored Roaches consume a wide range of materials, including organic waste, decayed tissue, polymeric compounds, and even low-grade synthetic organics, making them capable of thriving in post-industrial zones and dead-infrastructure cores. The species displays near-total environmental resistance, with confirmed survival through radiation pulses, nanoplastic floods, electrocution events, and EM sterilization attempts. Traditional extermination protocols fail consistently, as roaches rapidly adapt to chemical, thermal, and acoustic deterrents. Their reproductive cycle is extremely short, and they are capable of self-cloning in nutrient-rich substrates. Entire research labs and server vaults have been rendered non-functional due to uncontrolled infestations, with swarm colonies forming behind sealed walls, in wiring shafts, and within cooling arrays. Classified as a Tier-V containment risk, C. reflectiva poses a major threat to synthetic ecosystems, clean-lab operations, and sealed urban infrastructure, especially in zones with low surveillance or delayed maintenance access.

Mirrored Roaches

Biological Profile

Scientific Name

Cryptogaster reflectiva

Classification

Adaptive Scavenger

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Blattodea

Family

Cryptogastridae

Habitat

Collapse zones, reactor cores, polymeric floodplains, sealed research vaults

Range

Ubiquitous across derelict and post-industrial biomes of Thauzuno

Physical Characteristics

Length (avg.)

4.3–5.7 cm

Weight (indiv.)

~12–16 g

Dermal Adaptation

Photonic reflective cells (bio-chromatophoric mirror layer)

Coloration

Effectively invisible under ambient light; shimmer-effect in direct exposure

Distinguishing Features

eight-limbed with refractive shell, ultrathin sensory antennae, radiation-scarred ventral segments

Physiology & Systems

Respiration

Highly efficient tracheal system; tolerant of anoxic and chemically unstable air

Digestion

Pan-polyvore enzyme suite; capable of breaking down complex polymers, organics, and synthetic membranes

Reproduction

Parthenogenetic (asexual self-cloning clutch cycle under 9 hours in ideal substrate

Environmental Resistance:

Confirmed tolerance to:
- Gamma radiation
- Electrical discharge
- Thermal sterilization
- Nanoplastic saturation

Camouflage Response Time

<0.3 seconds (adaptive surface modulation)

Behavior & Lifecycle

Swarm Dynamics

Fluid cloud behavior with pheromone-linked dispersal

Lifespan

3–5 weeks (individual swarm continuity indefinite

Nesting Sites

Circuit conduits, cooling fins, polymer crates, insulation foam layers

Activity Pattern

Continuous; peak emergence during system blackouts or heat surges

Toxic Response

Generates enzyme-resistant shell layer after first exposure

Ecological Role

Trophic Level

Extreme scavenger; terminus consumer

Diet

Organic rot, plastic polymers, cable sheaths, soft synthetics, decaying biomass

System Impact

Irreparable damage to data cores, HVAC units, sealed labs

Vey'Zari Interaction

Severe; induces equipment failure, sensor ghosting, biological hazard through contamination spread

Containment Advisory

Full eradication is currently infeasible. Avoid entry into sites with known shimmer anomalies or unexplained heat dispersal in sealed systems. Only deploy autonomous sacrificial units in decontamination attempts. All contact zones must be sealed under permanent bio- and mech-lock protocols.

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Mirrored Roaches