Huldra
| Huldra | |
|---|---|
| Edgewater Mimic | |
| Scientific Classification | |
|
Genus: |
Insecrustator |
|
Species: |
I. vocalis |
| Binomial Nomenclature | |
| Insecrustator vocalis | |
| Distribution & Habitat | |
| Characteristics | |
| |
The Huldra, (Insecrustator vocalis) also known as the Edgewater Mimic, is an exobiotic species that inhabits numerous worlds across the Far Frontier. It is the sole recognized member of the genus Insecrustator and is known from only a small number of captured or recovered specimens. Genetic research indicates that only one species likely exists. Huldra cannot survive in captivity for more than a few days, limiting deeper research into its physiology and behavior.
Exhibiting features of both insects and crustaceans, huldra are some of the most evolutionarily complex forms of life native to the Orion Arm. Adult huldra grow on average to be roughly 2.5 meters in height, they possess a robust exoskeleton with overlapping plates, large compound eyes, and between 2 and 8 antennae for sensory perception. Their mouths resemble the mandibles of terran lobsters, with mildly corrosive, and toxic saliva. Vestigial wings sprout from its dorsum, which can be folded or contorted to radically alter its silhouette. Specialized thoracic resonating chambers provide the ability to replicate human speech or the vocalizations of other animals.
The huldra is an ambush predator, utilizing aggressive mimicry as a hunting and camouflaging strategy. It lures potential prey by mimicking the sounds of other fauna, using its powerful mandibles to incapacitate its victim, once it is within striking distance. It then injects a combination of proteolytic enzymes and neurotoxins through specialized salivary glands, effectively immobilizing and pre-digesting the prey.
Huldra tend to live within broods numbering between five and eleven, though lone huldra are not uncommon. They prefer nesting within dark, damp, and enclosed environments.
Etymology
The colloquial name Huldra is a reference to a siren-like mythical creature found in Scandinavian folklore whose name derives from a root word meaning "covered" or "secret".
Relationship With Humans
Among exobiotic species, the huldra is responsible for a significant percentage of attacks on humans. 387 incidents have been recorded since 2280, though most go unreported.
Increased contact with human activities and habitats, driven by interstellar colonization is believed to have created a new behavioral phenotype of huldra, specifically adapted to human environments. In areas where their habitats overlap with human settlements, huldra adopt a silhouette resembling that of a large figure wearing an overcoat. In some incidents, huldra were able to approach within 30 meters of a victim in well lit, clear conditions before their true nature was discerned
Huldra are known to have developed a positive association between humans and food, preferring them over other types of prey. They are largely nocturnal hunters, with roughly 70% of attacks occurring between sunset and sunrise. In most incidents, the Huldra encourages its victim to approach by mimicking human gestures and speech. The latter is usually near-gibberish, a combination of phrases or words that can nevertheless be enticing or confusing to any potential victim and enough to lure them closer. Though research has been sporadic, one captured huldra exhibited a vocabulary of over 300 words over 23 hours of study, and their upper limit may be as many as 5000. This same study suggested a high capacity for learning, and the ability to use words to identify objects or describe them. As of 2285, a lack of living specimens has prevented the results of this study from being replicated.
Huldra in the Far Frontier have increasingly been found to nest within human settlements, often in wastewater systems, subterranean greenhouses and abandoned structures. They have also been found aboard spacecraft, and are believed to have spread across the Orion Arm making them an unintentionally introduced, and invasive species on many worlds.
References
- "Growing Alarm In Far Frontier Following Series Of Suspected Huldra Attacks". Champlain Group.
- "Philippine Marines Destroy Huldra Nest In Far Frontier". Champlain Group.