Monta Selo is a sedentary, cave-dwelling species found in deep caverns, usually near underground lakes. The bioluminescent patches on its shell attract both Cielarka Cimos and Senvida Nagantos, and the crystalline growths act as natural camouflage as the Monta Selo waits for its preferred prey, Ombra Vespertos, which feed upon the insects and fish. Though generally solitary, Monta Selos gather in large numbers during their brief breeding season, which occurs only once every four years in late winter. Males build nests of bioluminescent moss and pace around them, showing off their crystals to potential mates. Females will choose a male by stepping onto the nest. Once the eggs are laid, they are covered with more moss and left to hatch on their own. As Monta Selos have no natural predators, they can live for a very long time, and some documented individuals may be well over a hundred years old. They are generally docile when approached, with females displaying quieter dispositions, and are strong enough to carry a human on their back, although their studded carapace and slow speed make their use for transportation impractical.

The creatures that dwell in this rather desolate world still display some diversity in appearance, eating habits, and social behavior. Whether they have fur or feathers, skin or scales, their unique genetic makeup allows for a variety of colors and markings within each species. Despite limitations in food sources, herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores are all present in the food chain, and each species requires specialized care within a laboratory. Although the artificial setting of housing units and breeding pods precludes most opportunities to study true interspecific behavior, the interactions within and between species has been studied extensively in the wilderness by scientists daring enough to venture beyond the outpost’s walls.

Creature Notes

• After spending days deep beneath the earth, I managed to collect a Monta Selo egg resting in an extremely warm cave. I suspect there may have been flowing magma somewhere near. I wonder how it will effect the creature. Better keep it warm.
• The young one has finally hatched! It seems far larger and darker then any Monta Selo hatchling I've ever seen before, with bright crystals the colours of flowing magma. It seems to be attracted to the fires of my forge. Further research is need
• The young Mona Selo, who I've decided to name Vulcan, seems to want to follow me around a lot. I see no harm with it so I let him wander around. I hope I don't regret it.
• After a scare that nearly gave me a heart attack, I can now say with confidence that Vulcan is definitely fire proof to some extent, and is not bothered by the smoke that my forge produces. How he managed to escape the lab I will never know.