Name: Xinis Description: [An excerpt from On Meridian Biology by Dr. Xekolos Lositi, biologist of the Xadari Vestige.] “In the methane biosphere of the planet Meridia, insects have primarily evolved as pollinators due to the fact that they are able to metabolize methane without the need to prey on other fauna. Typically, life on Meridia can be divided into three major categories; those that live in the peroxide oceans below the floating islands that make up a majority of the planet’s surface area (oceanic), those that live on top of the land of the floating islands (zenithic), and those that live below the floating islands (nadiric), adapted to the anti-gravity fields found under the islands. Of course, there are also organisms that live in the skies. In this regard, Xinis are dinadiric, meaning they inhabit both the anti-gravity fields below the floating islands and the areas above the islands. Xinis are fascinating creatures, acting as the primary pollinator of all flora on Meridia. Xinis are small insects, roughly 1 cm in length when uninflated and up to 3 cm in length when inflated (i will elaborate more on this later). They are very light insects, being primarily hollow, and their locomotion functions using air. They have four spindly double-jointed legs that move using aerostatic pressure, allowing them to maintain an incredibly light weight using little actual muscle. Their feet appear as small conical pads, with microscopic tarsal claws that allow them to easily hang off of walls or ceilings. Their bodies are elongated, and seem to have a shimmering purple ring of thin fiber-like material similar to a wing attached to the top of their bodies. These ‘wings’ cannot flap, but are supported by a thin skeletal structure that enables them to glide in the wind. Xinis actually achieve flight through the usage of a short ‘nozzle’ at the back of their bodies; they rapidly suck in the methane air to inflate themselves, and then gradually blow it out their nozzle to achieve thrust. Their bodies inflate up to 1 cm larger during this process, and they can control the direction of their nozzles, allowing for precise flight. Other noble features include a large, singular compound eye that can perceive a wide variety of colors at specific locations, and a light exoskeleton that almost seems to be a translucent purple. The winged ring around their bodies that allow flight are also highly of note; they seem to be coated in a film of special crystalline cells that allow them to change the color of their “wings”. I theorize that this adaption allows Xinis to communicate with each other by flashing different patterns of color almost like a prism. Swarms of Xinis are particularly colorful, appearing as vast sparkles of prismatic light. It is truly a sight to behold. Xini hives are also rather bizarre. They are typically made out of a thin, transparent wax that allows light through. The insides of their hives contain combs of tessellating hexagonal cells that larvae and other items are housed in. Interestingly enough, I have observed this hexagonal structure in the pollinators of other biospheres’ insects too - certain oxygen biospheres that utilize ‘water’ as a biological solvent have been noted to have pollinators called ‘bees’ that also produce such a hexagonal structure. I theorize that this comb structure is universal given the natural efficiency of the hexagon as a shape.” Behavior: “Xinis are unique insects. They possess a swarm intelligence that seems to revolve around patterns of light that they refract into prismatic colors using their ‘wings’. Their light passes through the transparent wax of their hives. Of course, this also means they are highly reliant on light; Xini hives are typically found in places where there is a lot of light, and they are often not nocturnal, ‘sleeping’ when night comes. I say ‘often not’ because I have observed Xini hives active at night as well, primarily when near some form of bioluminescent light such as those produced by the Zyxexnen tree; a prime example of mutualism in the biosphere of Meridia. It is not uncommon to find hives hanging from these trees. As pollinators, Xinis will fly around collecting nectar and other substances from the various plants of Meridia, both zenithic and nadiric. As they grasp onto these nectars with the fuzz on their bodies, they also collect the pollen of these flora, and spread it around as they fly to other plants. Xinis are harmless insects, and are very curious; as I floated around in search of Xini hives for study, I found they often liked flying onto me just to feel my smooth, Xadari skin. They have no defensive mechanisms given the nature of this biosphere, so they are quite comfortable around other organisms. However, studying the pollinators of other biospheres, I would not be surprised if an outside mistook their air nozzles for a stinger. I do admit, it would be quite amusing to witness an outsider terrified of these insects that enjoy flocking around those they find curious.” Tamability: “Xinis are rather simple to tame. I believe other cultures have done similar with their pollinators, a practice called ‘beekeeping’. I will refer to this practice as apiculture, and hobbyists of such as apiarists. The taming of Xinis simply evolve domesticating a hive; from the study of other cultures, it is likely that glass framings inside of a glass apiary would be sufficiency. Slots could allow for easy removal and insertion of the frames. Under controlled conditions and lighting, an apiarist could easily monitor the progress of such an artificial hive. Why do this, though? Many reasons, which I will elaborate on in future sections.” Where is it found?: “Xinis are native to the planet of Meridia, which is now the new home planet of my species, the Xadari. Meridia has oceans of hydrogen peroxide and a methane atmosphere, entirely compatible with my species’ methanotrophic biology. Meridia contains numerous floating islands that Xinis inhabit, both above and below.” Rarity: “Common.” Diet/Method of gaining nutrients and energy: “As insects, Xinis gain sustenance through the drinking of nectar and other substances created by Meridian plants.” Products?: “Xini hives produce numerous products that may be useful for an apiarist. The wax Xini hives produce is translucent and rather luxurious because it almost seems to sparkle when melted from a flame - could make a lovely candle material. Xini hives also produce a rather delicious substance I have called ‘mellila’. It is a golden and sparkling, viscous substance that is saturated with sugars and other lovely nutrients. The Xinis seem to produce it for long-term food storage, and do not seem to mind its collection. It is highly delicious and I personally have found it a lovely topping for some of the produce that comes out of our hydroponics farm here on Meridia. In addition, it is even edible to outsiders after further processing - centrifuging the mellila to remove sulfates that would be toxic to most outsider species. Tasty!” Reproduction: “Xinis start their life as larvae, growing to mostly become drones that mate with a princess or queen Xini.” Size: “Xinis tend to be at most 1cm in length when uninflated, and at most 3cm in length when inflated. Queens tend to be around twice as large.” Weight: “Xinis have evolved to be as light as possible, allowing them to easily fly around.” Lifespan: “After a survey of their genome, A Xini queen can live up to five solar years. Drones and workers usually live around 120 solar days.” Abilities: “To recap, Xinis can: Fly using bursts of air from their nozzle Refract and use light to communicate using photocells on their ‘wings’ Produce a translucent wax that sparkles beautiful colors when melted, probably due to higher phosphorus content Produce a wildly delicious substance I have called ‘mellila’.” Flaws: “However, despite their many abilities, Xinis are rather fragile creatures. Xinis found outside during peroxide rains might find themselves trapped or killed. In addition, they have a rather short lifespan.”
