Name: Mi (Both plural and singular. Pronounced 'My'.) Description: Small slug-like creatures that glow a wide variety of colors. Mi secrete a sticky, phosphorescent residue 24/7 which causes them to glow, while their skin-cells contain pigments that automatically accumulate or disperse depending on what the Mi is doing, similar to octopi and squid. By changing its colors rapidly, they can put nearby insects in a "trance" in order to eat them. Mi have two small, beady eyes connected to the body by thin stalks and a tiny mouth located at the front of its body. They lack teeth, so they must eat the insects whole, digesting them with surprisingly strong stomach acid. Behavior: Mi don't really do much, other than eat. Their residue's phosphorescence lures in small insects without any work on the Mi's part. The most work they do is "hypnotizing" the insects it has lured in by rapidly flashing bright colors, causing the bugs to have a seizure. Mi prefer to laze about in the mouths of damp, cool caves, only occasionally venturing outside during the spring and summer seasons, when the outside bug population begins to rise. Their main defense from predators is the previously mentioned residue, which tastes absolutely awful. In very rare cases, the slime has glued the mouth of a predator shut, causing it to starve. Tamability: They cannot be tamed. Where is it found?: They can be found clinging to the ceiling and walls of caves, usually around the entrance where a small amount of light can get through and "charge" the phosphorescent attributes of their slime. Rarity: Mi are pretty common, living in large clusters. Diet/Method of gaining nutrients and energy: Mi feed primarily on small insects and plants, if there aren't any bugs available at the time. These insects are attracted to the Mi's glowing residue, like how moths seek out light. Once the Mi sees bug approach, they begin to rapidly change colors which causes the prey to have a seizure. Afterwards, the surrounding Mi race to the disabled insect and try to eat it. Rinse and repeat until the entire cluster has been fed. This doesn't work for larger bugs, and occasionally one will get stuck on the Mi's slime. If this happens, the Mi who has accidentally ensnared the insect will begrudgingly let another Mi pull it off and eat it. Since Mi do very, very little they don't need to eat much. Products?: The slime they produce could be considered a product, though it isn't of much use to anyone. Reproduction: They reproduce in a manner similar to most fish, where the females lay a batch of eggs and the males fertilize it. Size: About the size of a loaf of bread. Weight: About 0.4kg, or 0.9lbs. Lifespan: Up to ~5 years. Abilities: As explained above, their main trait is their ability to change colors. Mi are also quite adept at seeing in the dark, can climb almost anything, and can also squeeze their body through a hole the size of a quarter. Flaws: They're incredibly slow. If a predator comes along that either can't taste their slime or just doesn't care, the Mi doesn't bother trying to flee and just gives itself up. Hiding isn't an option, since they glow. Other: Part of a planned event. They'd look a little like this shape-wise, minus the giant mouth and arm-flaps.
