Creature idea: Flutterworm
Originally believed to be tiny dragon hatchlings, it’s recently been discovered that flutterworms are in fact their own species. They live in swarms in a specific kind of rare willow tree, which was promptly named “Worm Willow”. These creatures might look like tiny winged lizards at first glance but are in fact covered in short, glossy fur. Their wings are reminiscent of hummingbirds.
One flutterworm might not be more than a squeaking nuisance, but a swarm can produce a deafening chorus of screeches terrible enough to knock a grown bear unconscious. They will then swarm down to feed on the unconscious creature. Their bite carries a paralytic poison to ensure that the creature doesn’t get back up. Which might be why it’s taken so long to discover more about them; those who came upon them, didn’t come back.
