The Rae
I have spoken about them here before. A small insectoid race of tough hunters who, in spite of their size, are a terror to even the large fauna in Vivarace.
They are built to be efficient predators who work in groups, I lovingly call them my sky piranhas due to their bitey nature. (Would the correct term here be to call them preds in the g/t space?)
There is more to read beyond this point.
The Rae group together in clans and can claim large swaths of hunting territory. They are insectivores and carnivores, often taking down creatures larger than them; as in birds, rodents, lizards, and Vivarace's mega insects.
Rae will even dare to fight much larger animals to protect their home. (Including you and I).
They are aggressive as a species and culture. Types of aggression vary between the clans, though.
They are smart fighters, which is what makes them scary. The brightest among them are revered tacticians. They are a clan's greatest assets when warring with other clans over territorial disputes.
These Rae wars mostly happen between newer clans, trying to stake a claim to land rather than between established clans who have made peace with their borders.
You may think that the aggression of the Rae causes major issues for the other small races; and while yes, problems do occur, other Vivarians are typically safe to pass through or live in Rae hunting territories.
The Rae will not trouble themselves with others. They have a mutual understanding to not mess with each other. No, most Rae conflicts happen between Rae and those dumb enough to stir up trouble.
And you do not want to stir up trouble with an established clan. Otherwise, you may as well face problems trying to pass through their territory for the rest of your life.
Featuring a picture I already posted.
Fun fact, Rae claws and teeth are strong enough to penetrate human skin.
Vespid Rae
Rae colors can differ between clans and region, pattern shapes included. But not only that, there are four varieties of Rae races that developed in different conditions.
The most common Rae type is the Vespid. They are the most hardy of the bunch, but they also have that bit of hornet mentality.
Still far more reasonable than actual hornets, though. They are Amazonian huntresses. I make that comparison not only because they have that Rae warrior mentality but because the Rae race as a whole has a major gender disparity. (Females outnumber males about 7 to 1.)
You will almost always see a female Rae and very rarely see a male Rae. The males stay home.
The Vespids can be found in almost any region, except for places where cold is consistent.
All of the Rae races are cold-blooded. In fact, the Rae have hemolymph like insects do and will hibernate through winter if they live in a region that experiences a cold season.
Dragon Rae
Next are the dragonfly Rae. They are the largest of the Rae races, reaching about 6 inches in height and a foot in length on average.
They are the only one of the Rae races that can fly backward.
The others can throw their weight to move backward, and they can hover, but they can not actively fly backward.
The Dragons are honorable warriors built to navigate the wetlands of the world. They live by a special code of morality, as though they feel responsible to live as protectors; being some of the strongest among the Vivarians.
A single Dragonfly Rae can solo a medium-sized bird of prey if they play their cards right.
They also hunt small fish that jump out of the water.
No, they don't breathe fire.
Mantis Rae
The second largest of the Rae races. The Mantis are stealth hunters who are primarily found in the grasslands or mountains.
You would imagine that they would be the most feared out of the Rae types (because Mantis are menaces in the insect world). And while their stealth is something to be wreckoned with, they are actually the quiet contemplative type.
They do still have that warrior mentality, which is baked into a Rae's blood. But they are like monks, total control over their movements, very mentally sound and at ease with their place in the world.
Many call them wise, but they are just observant. (I mean, of course they can be wise too, but it's a stereotype).
Mantis Rae can not typically fly. Some Mantis clans have specialized wings that can carry them for longer than most, but that is very clan-boodline specific. The Mantis will more or less use their wings to glide if need be, but they are treated as display pieces for the most part.
They are also the only Variant to not have a stinger.
No, Mantis Rae do not eat their mates.
Moth Rae
...
Not to be trusted. Do not let their fluffy appearance and pretty words fool you. They may be the smallest out of the Rae types, but they are the sneakiest and most morally compromised. Or to put that in other words, their morals are not like yours or mine.
No, not all Moths are like that. Just like how not all Vespid clans are aggressive, not all Dragon clans are honorable, and not all Mantis clans are calm; not all Moth clans are untrustworthy.
But the Moths developed in harsh conditions that call for cold actions (pun intended).
They are the only variant of Rae to not hybernate when the weather becomes freezing. Their hemolymph produces a compound that acts as a sort of biological antifreeze. But that comes with a cost.
Food is a scarce thing when it's winter, so you should not turn up your nose at whatever is available. Even if your potential food is a free thinking thing.
There are stories passed around between Vivarians, about lost travelers in the snow being offered a place to rest by a soft voice in a warm den. Only for those travelers to never be heard from again.
It is unfair to place that stereotype solely on the Moths. The other Rae races have had individuals hungry enough to do such a thing, too. But as it stands, the Moths see nothing wrong with it. To them, everyone is an animal all the same, even themselves.
Moths make no noise when they fly. They are like owls in that regard. Silent predators in a snowstorm.
Extra Information
Yes I know, evil freedom units and what not.
All of the Rae races have a hollow crest that grows on the top of their head. Its shape can be unique between individuals. Females have a single crest, and males have a split crest that is much more vibrant in color. Moth crests are usually covered in fur. Rae use these crests for display. It is culturally significant to take care of one's crest. They are also used for communication. Air is vibrated through the crest to make sound, either for song, conversation, or challenge. Vespid Rae sound similar to locusts. Dragonfly Rae have a very low and reasonate sound that is like a horn. Mantis Rae chirp, mimicking birdsong. And Moth Rae sound like eerie calm woodwinds. (I also think of mourning dove calls when I think of Moth Rae).
The Rae have fine hairs that grow out from the tips of their ears. These are connected to a sensory organ that makes them very sensitive to vibrations in the air. It's nearly impossible to sneak up on a Rae. They can sense your approach, and they can also sense weather changes. There is a weakness to this, however. While they are built to withstand a lot of noise (due to their communication method), a lot of conflicting noise can muddle their ability to sense movement due to the sound vibrations. Sneaking up on a Rae is, funnily enough, easier to do in a crowd than it is if they are alone.
Male Rae are typically smaller than females, and they don't have stingers. But they do have burrs. Males will always have cool base colors, not warm ones, with the exception of patterns and crest colors.
Rae can carry a lot of weight while in flight, up to nearly their own weight if nessicarry.
All Rae have double pupils.
There is an odd biological response to a Rae being dominant among their cliques. When dominance is established, that Rae goes through an odd horominal change, which makes her (or him) bigger than the rest.
Cliques are essentially polyamorous groups that consist of one male and four to six females. Being polygamous is normal for Rae cultures.
If you are curious about any other information, feel free to ask me.