Item#: SAP-012, Keller's False Unicorn
DANGER Level: Yellow
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| Image of a typical nasute termite belonging to the genus Nasutitermes. |
Description: SAP-012 is an atypical species of insect, sharing genetic material with termites. At least 53 specimens have been recorded by the Repository at various locations in in Northern South America, specifically in well-established rainforests. Specimens generally measure between 9' to 14' (~2.7 m to ~4.2 m), holding their body low to the ground when standing. SAP-012 possess 6 legs, enabling efficient locomotion in the canopy environment. The head lacks eyes and possesses a nasus1, which points directly forward. This has given the species the informal term "Keller's False Unicorn", named for their discovery by Dr. Argo Keller2 in 1969.
SAP-012's musculature is capable greater feats than that of mammals or standard arthropods. The reasons for this are listed below.
- The composition of the cells comprising the muscle tissue is rich in protein and does not contain as much fat. These ratios are non-anomalous, operating well within standard biological bounds.
- The large size of SAP-012 allows for a higher internal volume, enabling the development of complex muscles3 similar to those found in vertebrates.
- SAP-012 instances appear to have small cavities in their exoskeleton to increase surface area and therefore oxygen intake. These structures allow for more of the central cells to contract or expand, thus increasing the potential for force.
- The large size of the exoskeleton allows for the integration of various minerals into the body, some of which aid in the transmission of electrochemical signals to the muscles, increasing the number of actively contracting or expanding cells.
Aside from its anomalous size, SAP-012 also display the capability of producing electromagnetic (EM) radiation from its nasus through poorly understood means. This may include heat, microwaves, and visible light. The structure is also capable of producing various chemicals4, which are expelled with anomalously high force. These substances may include, but are not limited to: weak to medium acids and bases5, a diluted hemolymph-like substance, silk, flammable liquids, and various flammable and inert types of mucus. Instances' EM and chemical emissions appear to be created or catalyzed by anomalous hormones found within the horn. Interestingly, while the chemicals excreted by SAP-012 individuals have no discernable origin and come from a seemingly infinite supply, there seems to be a limit to how much material and EM radiation that specimens can emit. It should be noted that this may be caused by a psychological or behavioral factor; the limit for each individual is not correlated to the size or length of their fontanellar gun.
The species appears to be primarily herbivorous, consuming and digesting small trees in the same manner termites process wood. Individuals live solitary lives, constructing large, spherical structures in the forest canopy. These may be created from excreted waste, mud, silk, and unaltered or partially digested branches retrieved from the surrounding environment. Specimens come together in the spring to mate. Females incubate 1 to 3 eggs that hatch internally. The mother will then birth the larvae, keeping them in her den. Once they reach the imago6, the young will be the size of a medium dog and possess 4 wings. These will deteriorate over the next 4 to 5 days; thus, the "foals" must seek a new territory to act as their food supply7. It should also be noted that males display an elaborate "courting" behavior, attempting to woo females with elaborate laser engravings or displays of light, both of which may be observable from above the forest.
SAP-012 also engage in a "mining" behavior, which may be participated in by multiple instances or a single individual. Specimens will seek out rocky areas and will use a combination of lasers, corrosive chemicals, and concussive or thermal blasts to break down the rock. This has been noted as contributing the distribution of salt and mineral nutrients, which are scarce in rainforest habitats. Thus, the species has been categorized as highly beneficial to the preservation of such ecosystems.
Aftermath Protocols: SAP-012 rarely come into contact with humans, but when threatened, they are more than capable of defending themselves and their territory. However, despite their abilities, most instances are peaceful and content to graze in human presence. Due to the beneficial nature of the species, SAP-012 need no action taken unless threatened by poachers. All individuals are to be tagged with a small radio transmitter8, allowing the Repository to monitor their health and location.
