Rainbow Faefly

The Rainbow Faefly is a species of large insect native to Yuriba. Faeflies are related to dragonflies from the outside world, albeit with minuscule physical differences. This species of faefly is quite numerous and can usually be found near inland pools, along the river, and in the forest, though they are not infrequently spotted in the village itself.

These insects have a wingspan about as broad as a human palm, the wings sprouting faerie-like from a long, spindly black body with six thin legs, a long tail, and big, faceted eyes. The wings earn the Rainbow Faefly its name. They are translucent and papery, shimmering with prismatic rainbow colours. A Rainbow Faefly in motion creates a blur with its wings that appears to be a glow of colour. When several of them fly together the air appears to be filled with a humming, shimmering rainbow. The rapid movement of their wings produces an oddly musical hum or buzz that sounds more songlike than most insect noises. Like hummingbirds, they can hover in place and even fly backwards, moving more like faeries and birds than like insects; they are extremely fast and maneuverable. When they rest they tend to gather on rocks and branches near water.

Rainbow Faeflies feed on small flies and water beetles, and they are a major predator of the Lily Bee. They are frequent prey for Lovebirds and other large songbirds. When attacked the Rainbow Faefly can give off foul-smelling white secretions from its body, which will repel most birds.

For most of the year Rainbow Faeflies are dormant, awakening during the late spring and through the summer before moving back into dormancy during the late fall and winter. Because they are frequent sights during the summer they have become associated with Zansho. It is said that the Faeflies are sent by the goddess to sing of the approach of her season. There is, however, no spring of drowned Rainbow Faefly; the association is likely anecdotal or coincidental.