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Description
(Tried out a new style, and also the idea of signing art).

Most animals have nutritional needs that evolve in tandem with their lifestyle. But monsters are not "most animals." They often break conventional rules of logic, and the Pyrefly species is no exception. Here, their dietary needs have not only shaped their lifestyle, they've encouraged rapid and unnatural evolution into an appropriate form.

Pyreflies have both insectile and mammalian biology, but like most monsters, are unrelated to either. Their abdomen is swollen with symbiotic bacteria that help to break down their favorite foods: ash and cinder. These same bacteria help produce a tarry chemical that heats rapidly on contact with air and easily ignites most flammable substances. A Pyrefly's typical "hunting" routine is choosing a small living or recently dead plant, burning it down, and shoveling in the remains. They seem to recognize the concept of conservation and try to avoid upsetting the equilibrium of the environment, but forest fires are still more than three times as common in areas populated by Pyreflies.

Pyreflies prefer plant-based ashes to mammalian ones, and are generally nonthreatening to the average traveller unless they carry an easily acessible pile of lumber. Though most are the size of small monkeys, they are incredibly bold creatures and do not seem to fear people. Sometimes Pyreflies have even perched on unsuspecting travellers, which can cause quite a fright. This behavior does not stem from the inability to distinguish the sentient from the insentient, but rather a rudimentary play behavior.

Pyreflies are only truly dangerous during the mating season, where they become brash and ornery. A mixture of frenzying pheromones and new nutritional requirements force them to seek out protein for themselves and their young. During this period they display territorial aggression and advanced swarming behaviors, contracting their abdomens and spraying prey with burning, sticky secretions. Most sentient creatures can recognize the time of mating season and steer clear of the Pyreflies, returning when the species is calmer.

Pyreflies can be (and frequently are) domesticated by more intelligent natives. Like cats, the species is prone to domesticating itself in the presence of those who create large amounts of food. Domesicated variants are known to have more varied diets and show much less aggression during mating season... provided their nutritional needs can still be met through peaceful alternatives.

Pyreflies are largely inedible to most creatures including humans. However, the shells of their eggs are highly nutritious and their (airtight) secretions are a prized resource.

Description
(Tried out a new style, and also the idea of signing art).

Most animals have nutritional needs that evolve in tandem with their lifestyle. But monsters are not "most animals." They often break conventional rules of logic, and the Pyrefly species is no exception. Here, their dietary needs have not only shaped their lifestyle, they've encouraged rapid and unnatural evolution into an appropriate form.

Pyreflies have both insectile and mammalian biology, but like most monsters, are unrelated to either. Their abdomen is swollen with symbiotic bacteria that help to break down their favorite foods: ash and cinder. These same bacteria help produce a tarry chemical that heats rapidly on contact with air and easily ignites most flammable substances. A Pyrefly's typical "hunting" routine is choosing a small living or recently dead plant, burning it down, and shoveling in the remains. They seem to recognize the concept of conservation and try to avoid upsetting the equilibrium of the environment, but forest fires are still more than three times as common in areas populated by Pyreflies.

Pyreflies prefer plant-based ashes to mammalian ones, and are generally nonthreatening to the average traveller unless they carry an easily acessible pile of lumber. Though most are the size of small monkeys, they are incredibly bold creatures and do not seem to fear people. Sometimes Pyreflies have even perched on unsuspecting travellers, which can cause quite a fright. This behavior does not stem from the inability to distinguish the sentient from the insentient, but rather a rudimentary play behavior.

Pyreflies are only truly dangerous during the mating season, where they become brash and ornery. A mixture of frenzying pheromones and new nutritional requirements force them to seek out protein for themselves and their young. During this period they display territorial aggression and advanced swarming behaviors, contracting their abdomens and spraying prey with burning, sticky secretions. Most sentient creatures can recognize the time of mating season and steer clear of the Pyreflies, returning when the species is calmer.

Pyreflies can be (and frequently are) domesticated by more intelligent natives. Like cats, the species is prone to domesticating itself in the presence of those who create large amounts of food. Domesicated variants are known to have more varied diets and show much less aggression during mating season... provided their nutritional needs can still be met through peaceful alternatives.

Pyreflies are largely inedible to most creatures including humans. However, the shells of their eggs are highly nutritious and their (airtight) secretions are a prized resource.