Bookworms

Kmúþic: Rahyx Kúná-afe /raːhɪks kuːnauʔaːfɛː/

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Bookworms¹ are small, nocturnal, worm-like scavengers native to northern Ytvía and the eastern Maralon Steppe in southern and mid-western Jælondis, respectively, but has now spread throughout Borgalor and is particularly common in urban areas.
They are generally regarded as pests due to a tendency to gnaw on leather-bound books and other objects made of leather, furs and hides, though they are difficult to eradicate due to to their eggs being small and usually hard to reach.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bookworms are white with orange stripes, and are sometimes confused with a certain snake species with similar markings, though they easily distinguished by their disproportionately large, black eyes, which grant them excellent night vision. Their bite is surprisingly strong, which combined with the sharp teeth allow them to feed on carrion, especially tougher parts like the hide and cartilage.

Behaviour

Though they tolerate each others presence, bookworms are highly territorial when it comes to other species, to the point that they can scare off animals as large as a wild dog via biting and hissing. In towns and cities, bookworms inhabiting libraries, archives and such are often seen attacking Dust Bunnies that feed on papyrus, cardboard and cloth in the same area, as well as the occasional rodent or insect.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Originally found in semi-arid regions of Jælondis, the worms have adapted to virtually every climate and are found on all but the most remote islands and inhospitable regions of the world. In urban areas, they thrive in landfills and sewers in particular as well as places such as libraries and warehouses.

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¹Original icelandic: bókaormur, singular: bókaormar.

Bookworm by Lappalingur

Origin/Ancestry

Jælondis

Conservation Status

Least Concern