Stranga Sciuro is a flight-capable species with a curious—and sometimes destructive—nature. Opportunistic tree-dwellers, these creatures will make their home in any high-placed hollow they can find, whether a natural tree hole or an artificial vent on the outpost’s outer walls. They feed on nuts and berries. Their natural hoarding tendencies can lead to piles of nuts building up in their nest, which draws the attention of other Stranga Sciuros. Fights over food and mating opportunities are common and usually take place aerially. The bioluminescent markings on their wings and tail help prevent opponents—and predators—from accurately judging their movements. Because they can interfere with automated vent operations, wild Stranga Sciuros are considered low-level pests. Inside the laboratory, their behavior remains lively and adaptable, making them a relatively easy species to handle.

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

• I once left his enclosure open by accident while I let the Florantas breeze through the lab. I feared the worst when I heard his chitters in the room. Luckily, he was ignoring the roaming jellyfish and instead he was gliding to his favorite nest.
• If I take my eyes off him for even a second, he disappears and discovers new hiding spots in my lab. I've made sure to prevent access to most of the nooks and holes, but I've left a few to be used as nests for him.
• Genesis was bred as part of a lineage exchange program between a coworker and I. He's been showing positive signs of intelligence, although I shouldn't be surprised. His father was said to be very smart.