Gwenynog (ˈɡwɛnɨnɔɡ)
"Whizz, Whizz, Whizz" - A Gwenynog in flight
A Gwenynog is a small animal that only lives near the lake Llynbaet, in southern Ynys. It is a strange animal, which resembles a hedgehog with wings. Gwenynogs are always found in the company of honeybees, and seem to be accepted in the hive as if they were bees themselves. They are capable of flight, although it is a little bumbling, and they make a distinctive whizzing sound when in the air. They will also mimic the dances of the bees they live with, which many people find endearing.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Gwenynog are small, only about two or three times the size of the bees they live with. Their bodies are covered in sharp quills that may also be envenomed, depending on what the gwenynog has been eating. They have four legs and two large wings that are somewhat insectile.
Genetics and Reproduction
For most of the year, the gwenynog is only in the company of bees, but during late autumn, they will congregate to find mates. These congregations usually occur over the surface of the lake, and involve a lot of clumsy flying around as they seek out a partner. The pairs will then fly off into the grass and bushes on the lakeshore to copulate.
They gestate and give birth like mammals, and the young gwenynogs are usually born in early spring. After only a few weeks, they are ready to fly and seek their own hives. This is the most vulnerable point in their lives, and only about a third of the gwenynogs will succesfully join a hive. A litter will usually five to seven babies.
Ecology and Habitats
Gwenynog live symbiotically with honeybees, and will have a small nest near the beehive. They eat insects and some honey, and are able to drive away predators that the bees cannot. Anyone who has ever been pricked by a gwenynog quill will find that it has barbs at the tips, and pulling the quill away will leave those barbs still in the wound. Additionally, if the gwenynog has been eating certain insects, the barbs will be envenomed, causing a burning sensation followed by numbness and swelling near the site of the injury. In large creatures like humans these symptoms fade in about a day or so, but they can be very dangerous to smaller animals.
Cute, but dangerous! I especially like the symbiotic relationship it shares with honey bees. Well done!
Thanks! I got inspired by a local legend near Windemere, and expanded it out. And they are cute!