Submission (#6671) Approved

The luminawing represents a convergence of the characteristics of two insect commonly found in other areas of Eyrie: the butterfly and the firefly.  This unique hybrid, found flitting amongst the phosphorescent fronds of Silveil, possesses a mesmerizing combination of the delicate wing structure of butterflies with the bioluminescent capabilities of fireflies.  As an adult, the luminawing exhibits a wingspan ranging from six to eight centimeters, with intricately patterned wings reminiscent of a butterfly’s.  The forewings and hidewings are adorned with vibrant iridescent scales that display a spectrum of shadowy colors from dark blues, to purples, and pure blacks, and help contribute a striking visual contrast to its robust structured glowing abdomen.

One of the most remarkable qualities of this creature is the ability to produce bioluminescence, like the display often seen in fireflies.  The organs, much like in fireflies, are present in the abdomen of the insect, and emit a soft glow during the night.  Much like fireflies, it’s believed that the luminawing’s capabilities account for more than mere show, but help the insects communicate amongst each other, coordinating travel, attracting mates, navigating through dense vegetation, and even deterring would-be predators.

In fact, is it a strongly held belief that the insects have engineered special dances that create an intricate courtship display where the goal is to display how the light of their abdomen strikes their otherwise shadowy wings, showing off that ofttimes hard to spot iridescence of the scales.  The wings might also help the dual purpose of camouflaging the insect when at rest, as the dark colors are incredibly hard to spot against Silveil’s constant nightfall, allowing the insects to blend into the shadows when resting.

Like butterflies, the luminawing sustains itself on nectar extracted from a wide range of flowers that make up its habitat.  It possesses a proboscis, just like what one would see in any other butterfly species, which allows for efficient feeding on floral nectar.