Erabida

The moth's love for the flame is ironic, being her fastest path to an early grave. Do not be an Erabida; don't let your passions consume you.

— Local Hunter

The Erabida is a species of giant moth found commonly in temperate and tropical forests. While they may look dangerous, they are easily intimidated and thus pose little threat to humans. Being carnivorous however does lead them to prey on livestock which may cause confrontation between the two species. The Erabida's main weapons are its airborne poison and claws. While not potent enough to severely damage an adult human, it does make one a more vulnerable target for the moth's finishing blows.

Basic Information

Anatomy

As an adult, the Eradiba can weigh up to 20 local pounds, measuring 5 feet from head to tail, with a wingspan of roughly 8 feet. Their bodies are somewhat chunky, armored with dark blue carapace covered in lighter hairs. Its body ends in two long, controllable tails which seem to be used mainly for balancing mid-air. As mentioned above, its main weapons are its claws and poison powder. The powder can severely irritate eyes, and if inhaled causes pain in the lungs, difficulty breathing, and wooziness. The creature's front most claws are sharp and knife-like, which it uses to deal damage to foes and dissect meat for consumption.

Growth Rate & Stages

Caterpillar Form

Before metamorphosing into its adult form, the Eradiba spends a significant amount of time in its larvae caterpillar form. Upon hatching from its roughly ostrich-egg-sized round eggs, the caterpillar will usually measure one foot in length. Already upon hatching it is covered in thin hairs and spines which act both to protect the larva and camouflage it amidst the undergrowth. This large woolly appearance earns it the name Bearworm. As the species lacks maternal instincts, this is the most vulnerable stage of the Eradiba. It faces a number of natural predators as it scours for food in order to grow. This means that very few Bearworms ever reach their full potential, only 10% of them surviving past their caterpillar stage. Unlike its adult form, the caterpillar is omnivorous and will consume quite literally anything it can. Upon having grown to roughly 35 local pounds, it then forms a protective cocoon in which it reconstructs its body into that of an adult Eradiba. The entire process from hatching to stretching its wings can take up to three years.

Adult Form

The Eradiba then has another 4 years before ending its natural lifespan. During this time it is mainly carnivorous, and needs to feed on about 10 pounds of meat in order to survive. It will no longer grow, however there are changes to the patterns upon its wings depending on whether it is mating season or not. In tropical areas, the Eradiba can reproduce up to three times a year, while in more temperate regions it is commonly restricted to two due to winter.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Eradiba has two highly sensitive antenna which is capable of far greater olfactory perception than humans, as well as limited electroreception. In addition, their eyes being compound, they have access to a very wide field of view and are capable of easily following very rapid motion. They do not seem to have any auditory organs.