Ratamo

The Ratamo are flying insectoid sophonts with very short lifespan. They live in massive colonies that function with swarm intelligence each.

Morphology

The Ratamo, insectoid sophonts, possess an efficient physiology marked by a brief lifespan. Individual females endure two weeks, while males last only a few days. Their survival hinges on advanced bio-engineering, enabling the growth of tailored technologies to meet their needs. Communication occurs through telepathy, forming the foundation of their large swarms, comprising billions of individuals. This telepathic link fosters seamless cooperation within the swarm.

Anatomy

Reproduction

Ratamo employ a parasitic reproductive strategy involving Taniko, ungulates. Females lay eggs in Taniko skin and they serve as ideal hosts, experiencing no pain and offering an optimal environment for hatching larvae. This partnership shapes Taniko into vessels for Ratamo reproduction. Female Ratamo, with a brief two-week lifespan, pass on memories to offspring. Males live only a few days, driven by the imperative to find a mate before succumbing to starvation.

Behaviors

Swarm Intelligence

Ratamo's swarm intelligence showcases collective strength. In massive swarms, telepathic communication allows seamless coordination, leveraging billions of individuals for unified action. This intelligence maximizes resource utilization and tackles challenges beyond individual capabilities. Despite advanced bio-engineering, Ratamo acknowledge reliance on other sophont species for specific technologies, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to collaborative benefit.
Around two hundred Ratamo's are needed for some basic intelligence to emerge. When an individual gets lost or otherwise separated from their swarm, they are disoriented and will most likely die.