Deathmoths

Entity 4:Deathmoths
Gigas Heterocera / The Cold-blooded Hunter

Description

Entity 4, also known as the Deathmoths, are entities that inhabit the great majority of The Backrooms' levels, resembling Frontrooms moths.

Deathmoths are truly colossal creatures, boasting a wingspan that measures approximately 1.5 meters. The configuration of their wings is highly irregular, presenting a jagged appearance along the edges. The surface of these wings is enveloped by a thick layer of gray hair, which is not only coarse but also exceptionally hard.

The head of Deathmoths is comparatively diminutive and stands in stark disproportion to its substantial body. Positioned at the extremity of the head are a pair of protruding compound eyes, each composed of thousands of minute eye surfaces that exhibit a profound black coloration. Situated between the compound eyes is a sharp and slender mouthpart, resembling a syringe in shape, and possesses the capability to effortlessly puncture the skin of its prey.

Deathmoths possesses a broad and robust chest that provides crucial support for its massive wings and weighty body. The surface of the thorax is adorned with a hard carapace, featuring a dark brown hue and marked by irregular textures and spots. Its abdomen is round and hypertrophied, segmented in nature. At the junctions between each segment, there exists a thin membrane, endowing the abdomen with a degree of flexibility during movement.

The surface of the abdomen is also covered with gray hairs, though they are more fine and supple in comparison to the hairs on the wings. At the extremity of the abdomen are a pair of slender tail whiskers, the tips of which are as sharp as needles. Its legs are short and stocky, featuring sharp spikes at the joints. The surface of the legs is enveloped by a hard cuticle, which is capable of furnishing adequate support and protection during walking and climbing activities.

Deathmoths hunt for energy and nutrition, which is the main reason they prey humans. M.E.G. scientists have also observed that Deathmoths hunt Facelings, Skin-Stealers, and Dullers for food.

As with many other species, Deathmoths have two genders - male and female. The females are the main hunters, neutralizing targets directly by brute force. Males, on the other hand, are typically smaller, around 3-5 times the size of a regular Frontrooms moth, and are passive unless provoked.

Behavior

Deathmoths are clearly divided into females and males, and this point has already been mentioned before. During our in-depth study and observation, we discovered that there exists a considerable difference in the behavior of male and female deathmoths. Due to this significant disparity, for the sake of providing a more comprehensive and detailed understanding, we will proceed to introduce them separately.

Male

Almond water possesses an exceptionally strong attraction for male death moths. Precisely because of this compelling allure, wanderers can ingeniously utilize almond water as a means to tame male death moths. Once male Deathmoths are successfully tamed, they will prove to be of considerable assistance to wanderers by helping to fend off various entities and locate specific items that are of crucial importance. Nevertheless, it is of paramount importance that the wanderer should replenish the tamed male Deathmoth with Almond Water in a timely manner. Failure to do so would potentially result in a dire situation where they would turn against the wanderer, causing unforeseen and perhaps perilous consequences.

The wings of male Deathmoths vibrate at a significantly higher frequency. This frequent wing vibration causes them to produce a distinct buzzing sound when they are in flight. Such a buzzing sound acts as an effective warning signal to potential enemies, alerting them to keep their distance. At the same time, when confronted with a threatening situation, they have the ability to release a special type of gas. This unique gas possesses properties that can intimidate and scare off enemies, providing them with an additional means of self-defense. Male deathmoths are equipped with eyes that are more sensitive to light. This heightened light sensitivity enables them to detect potential threats in their surroundings more rapidly, granting them a crucial advantage in avoiding danger and ensuring their survival.

Finally, upon encountering a female Deathmoth, the male Deathmoth will embark on a display of a series of elaborate and complex dance moves with the aim of initiating courtship. This elaborate dance routine is a carefully choreographed sequence of movements and postures, specifically designed to attract the attention and interest of the female counterpart and to convey the male's desirability and suitability as a potential mate.

Female

Female deathmoths secrete a particular substance known as moth jelly subsequent to the process of fertilization. This substance was initially formulated with the purpose of attracting male deathmoths. Male deathmoths, upon consuming the moth jelly, would become completely submissive to the female deathmoth. However, interestingly, it turns out to be an outstanding source of nutrition for wanderers. Not only that, but it can even have the effect of enhancing and improving one's mood. Further detailed and comprehensive information can be found here.

When threatened, female Deathmoths will remain stationary, adopting a strategy of immobility as their defense mechanism. They rely on this behavior to blend in seamlessly with their surroundings, becoming almost indistinguishable from the environment. In this way, they can effectively avoid the watchful eyes and predatory instincts of their numerous predators. Their stillness is a calculated move, a silent attempt to disappear into the background and escape detection.

Similarly, when they forage for food, they will also stay still. This cautious approach is employed to avoid being spotted by their prey. The female Deathmoths understand the importance of stealth and patience in the hunt for sustenance. By remaining motionless, they wait for the perfect moment to strike, minimizing the risk of alerting their potential food sources. But as humans, it's hard not to spot the huge presence of female death moths, even if they don't move.

Biology

Through an in-depth analysis of the DNA of deathmoths, M.E.G. geneticists discovered that in its genetic sequence, a large number of repeating series and non-coding regions were discovered, which hinted at the intricate regulatory mechanisms at play. These repeating elements seem to form a complex network of genetic signals, perhaps serving as a reservoir of potential evolutionary changes or playing a role in fine-tuning the expression of key genes.

Among the genetic wonders found within the dead moth's DNA are proteins that are highly sensitive to specific wavelengths of light. This unique characteristic endows the deathmoths with a remarkable ability to perceive and respond to their environment. However, rather than being drawn to bright lights as one might expect, these moths seem to have an affinity for the shadows. They are inclined to hide in the dark, perhaps as a survival strategy.

Deathmoths possess a unique respiratory system that features air sacs, a characteristic reminiscent of birds. These air sacs play a crucial role in meeting the extremely high oxygen demands of the death moths during flight and various activities. The efficient respiratory system enables them to maintain a high level of energy expenditure and perform complex maneuvers in the air.

It is a known fact that deathmoths are capable of devouring a diverse range of different entities. This includes not only traditional food sources but also rather unconventional ones such as Windows and Predatory Doors. Such an eclectic diet suggests that their digestive system is highly adaptable and capable of breaking down foods of varying hardness and composition. The digestive process likely involves a complex interplay of enzymes and physiological mechanisms that can handle the diverse materials ingested by the death moths.

Regarding their nervous system, it is highly developed, indicating a remarkable ability to sense and respond to their surroundings. However, despite this advanced nervous system, it appears that their brains are relatively immature. This dichotomy results in a unique set of characteristics. Death moths are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, able to detect even the slightest disturbances. Yet, their low level of intelligence limits their cognitive abilities and decision-making processes. This combination of sensitivity and limited intelligence makes their behavior unpredictable.

Habitat

The Hive
The Hive is widely held to be the origin the Deathmoths and is regarded as an ideal habitat for them to roost, establish nests, and reproduce in considerable quantities. The elaborate, dark, and humid interior of The Hive offers outstanding concealment and highly appropriate living circumstances for the Deathmoths. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the Deathmoths have developed a vast and intricate ethnic system within The Hive.

~ Name

Level 5
Once upon a time, Level 5 was regarded as one of the levels with the highest population density, and it was inhabited by a considerable number of Deathmoths. At that specific period, the Deathmoth posed the most significant threat within Level 5, causing substantial harm to numerous wanderers who endeavored to traverse this level. It is notable that they appeared to possess more elaborate patterns, attributed to the distinctive characteristics of the level. But in recent times, the population of deathmoths has been steadily decreasing, and their aggressiveness has also waned significantly. As of the present day, Deathmoths and other related entities are nearly nonexistent in Level 5. Nevertheless, this level remains the one where the largest quantity of moth jelly has been discovered. Since the moth jelly is produced by female Deathmoths, we assume that Deathmoths are still present in the level.

~ Name

Level 8
In Level 8, Deathmoths are more inclined to attempt to hunt and prey upon other entities in certain levels, such as Troglosidae and other types of insects. It appears that they have the ability to adjust the patterns on their wings in accordance with the external environment. This phenomenon might potentially be attributed to the particularity and distinctiveness of the environment within Level 8. Additionally, they possess a considerable amount of venom stored within their claws, which renders the Death Moths in Level 8 significantly more perilous and hazardous.

~ Name

Level 28
In Level 28, Deathmoths exhibit a notably reduced level of aggression. Generally, they will tend to circle around a light source rather than actively launching attacks on wanderers. In the event that you have the intention to eliminate them, the most advisable and effective approach to achieving this is by employing a fire source. The Deathmoths will actively and instinctively pounce on the fire. However, it is essential to be vigilant and well-aware that Level 28 is replete with combustible materials. Thus, extreme caution must be exercised to avoid accidentally igniting and setting them ablaze.

~ Name

Level -6
In Level -6, the Death Moths are prominently recognized as Corrosive Moths on account of contamination resulting from Nuclear Infection. They exhibit a greenish color shade when contrasted with the typical Deathmoths. They have no requirement to search for food, thereby they do not initiate attacks actively. However, in the event that you launch an attack against them, they will be provoked and retaliate. When they sustain injuries, they will discharge corrosive liquids, which can prove to be extremely detrimental. They do not generate moth jelly; instead, they produce Nuclear Infection.

~ Name

Other Levels
In addition, it is notable that Deathmoths are found to inhabit a vast number of levels within numerous domains. The remarkable aspect about Deathmoths is their extreme adaptability, which leads to the fact that their appearance and distinctive characteristics can significantly vary from one level to another.

We have confirmed that deathmoths inhabits the following levels:

Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 8, Level 29, Level 45, Level 64, Level 79, Level 86, Level 99, Level 155, Level 169, Level 207, Level 217, Level 265, Level 292, Level -3, Level -5, Level -6, Level -96, Level -439

~ Name

Theories

The Hive Theory
The majority of wanderers and the numerous scientists within the M.E.G. tend to believe in this particular theory. According to this perspective, the Deathmoth is a creature specifically created by the Backrooms with the intention of bringing wanderers to their demise. Nothing more than that. They are believed to have originated from The Hive and are not different from numerous other entities that exist within the mysterious and often perilous confines of the Backrooms. Their purpose seems singularly focused on presenting a threat to those who find themselves lost and wandering in these strange and unforgiving spaces.

~ Name

Mutant Theory & Evolve Theory
Deathmoths exhibit an extremely compelling resemblance to Acherontia lachesis, a species native to Asia in the Frontrooms. The genetic similarity between them is as high as 78%. Moreover, their appearances are even more strikingly similar. Consequently, the majority of geneticists within the M.E.G. are inclined to hold the belief that the Death Moth is, in fact, an entity that undergoes mutation from the Frontrooms to the Backrooms due to a variety of reasons.

In addition, there exists a theory that is contrary to the previous one. It is postulated that Deathmoths are prehistoric creatures. Over time, in the Frontrooms, they eventually evolved into Acherontia lachesis. However, in the Backrooms, they remain largely untouched by the numerous dangers they would otherwise face in other environments. This theory suggests that the unique conditions of the Backrooms have allowed Deathmoths to retain their original characteristics and not be subject to the same evolutionary pressures as their counterparts in the Frontrooms.

~ Name

The Kauer Thesis
Humans have held a deep-seated fear of unknown insects since time immemorial. In ancient epochs, giant insects constituted a major existential menace to human beings. Even in the present day, within the wild expanses of the Frontrooms, humans continue to harbour trepidation towards poisonous insects. Consequently, all of humanity's apprehensions and fears related to insects converge. When they venture into the Backrooms, this latent fear within their subconscious is amplified to an extreme degree. Eventually, this phenomenon gives rise to the emergence of the Death Moth. This is precisely the reason why the Deathmoth has evolved to become so colossal and terrifying.

~ Name

Discovery

The Lost, an organization that is thousands of years old or even older, possesses an ancient book. In this book, there are descriptions of creatures known as "The Flies of Terror." These creatures resemble giant moths and are known to hunt people. However, we cannot be entirely certain that this particular creature must be a death moth. There could be other possible explanations or identities for this menacing entity.

The official record of the actual Deathmoth dates back to 1891. On that fateful day, Agents Christina and Hertz were on duty in Level 1. While carrying out their routine patrols, they suddenly encountered an unknown giant creature. At first glance, the two agents assumed that this creature might be friendly. However, their initial perception was quickly proven wrong as the giant creature launched a sudden attack on Agent Christina without warning. As a result of this unanticipated assault, Agent Christina was severely wounded. In the face of this dire situation, Agent Hertz bravely stepped forward to resist. Displaying remarkable courage and resourcefulness, he engaged in a fierce battle with the menacing creature. After a long and arduous struggle, Agent Hertz finally managed to defeat the giant creature by using a dagger.

Without hesitation, he then quickly assisted Agent Christina and transported the creature's corpse back to the New London base. Agent Christina was resuscitated and eventually regained her vital signs. After extensive research and in-depth analysis by the scientists of the M.E.G., it was conclusively determined that this was a completely new and hitherto unknown creature. Thus, it was given the name "Deathmoths".

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