Fae

Overview
Fae are a sparkless species that inhabits the temperate forests of Solterra. They are anthropoidal and possess one sets of segmented legs and two sets of similarly segmented arms with three long fingers and an opposable thumb. They have two sets of delicate, gauzy wings and are fast, agile fliers. Female fae are larger and duller colored than their male counterparts and can reach heights of 6-7 inches tall and weigh up to 5 ounces. Male fae are smaller, brightly colored, and average 5 inches and 4 ounces. Fae have large, widely-set compound eyes, a small nose with broad nostrils, and a large mouth.

Life Cycle
Fae mate in the early spring and form bonded breeding pairs. After mating, the female fae lays an egg sack near her nest consisting of up to 25 eggs. Male fae tend the egg sacks by shading them from the sun and protecting them from predators while the females hunt for food.

Fae larvae hatch approximately four weeks after being laid. Larvae are well camouflaged against the bark of their home trees but are otherwise defenseless. Males guard the young communally. Parents regurgitate partially digested food to feed the larvae. They form white, pupal sacks after about two months when they reach an appropriate weight. Metamorphosis takes four weeks.

Fae have a lifespan of approximately 10 years, though many die much younger to predation. Large birds of prey are their primary predators.

Behavior
Fae live in communal social groups of 50-200 individuals, though even larger groups have been reported. They construct small paper nests in trees using chewed plant matter and saliva and usually occupy these nests singly or in pairs. It is common to see large trees covered in these simple structures. Some more opportunistic fae have been known to move into the nests of their fallen comrades.

Fae are a predatory species. Females do the majority of the females and take down much larger prey using crude weapons such as sharpened sticks. Fae hunt in swarms, with groups of females working together. A hunting swarm can take down prey they size of an adult moose. Fae have been known to prey on Gryphs.

Fae do not possess the spark and are wary of fire. Their delicate wings and chitinous bodies are highly flammable.