Kef-Endu

"Blaze flies" were insects employed for carrying explosives into enemy territory.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These insects had streamlined bodies, six legs and two wings of translucent skin. Their hindmost pair of legs was notably larger than the other two and ended in strong grippers. They had large compound eyes which took up most of their heads, and a short proboscis that was folded against the underside of the head when not in use.

Biological Traits

It appears that there were two major breeds, distinguishable by their coloration. The wings of the so-called Nizu-Lemu, literally "night wings", had dark blue undersides whereas those of the Andufi-Lemu or "noon wings" were of a pale violet. The names of the breeds imply that their appearance served as camouflage against the sky at different times, and records from that time seem to confirm this idea.

Genetics and Reproduction

Female blaze flies laid packets of about 10-12 eggs per mating.

Additional Information

Domestication

This species was bred specifically for its purpose, so it is likely that all blaze flies were born in captivity and trained from the moment they hatched.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Blaze flies were able to carry weights of about 0.3 kg over mid-range distances. During the second half of the Final War, the military of the Ran-E-Zu Confederation employed them for dropping medium-sized cells of harnessed crystal fire onto enemy bases. While not as effective as a large bomber aircraft, the flies were harder to detect on approach and able to out-maneuver most defense mechanisms.

Average Intelligence

According to military records from the Final War, they were able to locate military outposts and distinguish enemy sites from allied ones. There is also evidence that the flies were sent towards their targets without guidance by people or technology. Historians conclude from this that they were trained to understand basic commands.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Blaze flies were famous for their exceptional maneuverability, which was made possible by several sensory organs that are still found in modern-day species. Their compound eyes were able to see obstacles, predators and artillery fire with high temporal and spatial resolution. They possessed multiple orientation-sensing organs along their thorax and abdomen, and bristles on the front rim of their wings let them sense air pressure and the direction of the wind with great accuracy.
Apart from that, their sense of smell was highly developed, and Rilsu scientists assume that they could use it to detect certain chemical compounds found in Rilanga warfare agents.

by Kathrin Janowski

Conservation Status

extinct

Average Height

5 - 7 cm

Average Weight

0.25 - 0.35 kg

Average Length

10 - 20 cm

Average wingspan

30 - 50 cm

by Kathrin Janowski

Further Reading