SPECIES: Kelt Insects

Databank Astrometrics
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2
Addendum Filed By:
USS Reyga
Clearance:

BRAIN ACTIVITY

  • Neurological scans of live specimens reveal a spike in brain activity when they are in proximity to the crystalline structure. During normal activity, the insectoids’ brain activity is concentrated in the olfactory and central integration cores, which process pheromone signals, electromagnetic inputs, and sensory data from their antennae.

  • Peaks in neural activity are observed during coordinated swarming behaviour, suggesting a form of colony-level synchronisation directed by the crystal’s emissions.

ACTIVITY CYCLE

  • Nocturnal-leaning activity cycle, with heightened movement and foraging behaviours during periods of lower light intensity. They also enter periods of immobility lasting 4-6 hours, resembling sleep-like rest cycles, during which their energy expenditure decreases. These rest cycles primarily occur near the crystalline structure or in secluded areas of the station.

  • Foragers set out at regular intervals, often returning within 2-3 hours. Their routes are marked by pheromones, and they consistently choose the most stable or easily traversable pathways.

  • They follow established foraging routes through the station’s corridors, using a combination of pheromone trails and antennae vibrations to navigate and communicate. These routes are heavily marked by the insects over time, with deep claw scratches and resin-like deposits on walls and floors, suggesting their long-term use of specific paths.

FEEDING

  • The giant centipede-like insectoids are omnivorous scavengers. Their primary food sources include organic detritus, decaying biological matter, and small organisms that may wander into their territory.

  • Evidence of their feeding behaviour is seen along their foraging routes, where residue from consumed material and faint traces of resin-like secretions indicate areas where they have gathered and fed.

  • Unlike many eusocial species, the insectoids do not store food. Instead, they rely on opportunistic feeding, consuming resources as they are encountered.

  • Individual insectoids appear to need to eat once every 2-3 days, consuming a moderate amount of organic material or synthetic substances to replenish their energy reserves.

  • During rest cycles or prolonged periods near the crystal, their feeding frequency drops to once every 5-7 days.

  • Larvae require constant attention and feeding.

  • Insectoids are capable of recycling organic material within the colony, such as discarded exoskeletons, egg shells, or resin-like secretions.

  • Insectoids are observed to also consume non-organic materials (like furniture and other station elements) at times.

NESTING AND LARVAL CYCLE

  • Nests are located in hidden and secure areas of the station, such as unused maintenance corridors, abandoned rooms, or isolated chambers, where they are shielded from external threats.

  • Nests are reinforced with a resin-like secretion produced by the insectoids.

  • The eggs are gelatinous and translucent, approximately 50 cm long, with a faint bioelectric pulse detectable by scans.

  • Adult insectoids meticulously tend to the eggs, rotating them periodically and applying resin to their surfaces for protection. This is frequently reapplied and repaired.

  • When hatching, the larvae break free from the gelatinous shells, which are then removed from the nest by caretakers to maintain cleanliness.

  • Once hatched, larvae remain in the nest for a period of nurturing and development; newly hatched larvae are fed pre-processed materials by adult caretakers.

  • Multiple adults are stationed near the nests at all times. Discarded eggshells and other organic waste are regularly removed from the nest and deposited in areas away from the main colony.

  • Observations over a week suggest that within 24-48 hours of a loss, a new clutch of eggs is laid in the nest. Each clutch typically contains 20-30 eggs, though only a small percentage of these hatch into viable larvae capable of maturing to adulthood. Caretaker insectoids focus their efforts on ensuring the survival of only the strongest larvae, prioritizing those with the greatest chance of reaching maturity. Weak or defective larvae are culled or abandoned, reducing resource strain on the colony. For example, out of a clutch of 20 eggs, only 2-3 larvae may reach adulthood.

  • Adult insectoids do not lay eggs continuously. Egg-laying activity decreases once the population approaches a stable level of around 50 insects.

MISC

  • The insectoids exhibit exceptional agility, able to traverse walls, ceilings, and even unstable or damaged surfaces thanks to their sharp, clawed legs. Their movement is precise and deliberate, often hugging walls or staying low to avoid open spaces where they might be more vulnerable.

  • Insectoids frequently tap antennae with one another during encounters.

  • The insectoids routinely apply and repair resin coatings on various parts of the station, including nests, pathways, and structural gaps, including in areas which do not seem to be related to the insectoid’s own habitation.

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OOC ALL WRITTEN BY @Sam .

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