Name: Tea Worm Scientific Name: Calidovermis theinae (from calidus = “warm” and vermis = “worm” — “Warm Worm of Tea”)
⤷ Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammaloidea
Order: Vermiformes
Family: Calididae
Genus: Calidovermis
Species: C. theinae
Type: Cozy Familiar / Domestic Fauna
Alignment: Gentle, Symbiotic
⤷ Appearance
Size: Approximately 20 cm long from head to the tip of the tail
Head: Rounded, expressive face with large, expressive eyes and a small snout adapted for sipping. Mouth and nostrils are hidden under fur
Body: Long, flexible, wormlike torso, fully covered in soft, insulating fur.
Fur: Silky and lightly oily, with tones ranging from golden beige to soft chestnut; carries a faint scent reminiscent of tea leaves.
Limbs: Tiny, dexterous forearms used for holding cups, food, or nesting materials. No hind limbs; locomotion is done through undulating body movement.
Other Details: The tail is thick and fluffy, curling naturally when the creature is resting. When relaxed, the Tea Worm often coils itself around warm objects like teapots or mugs.
⤷ Reproduction & Behavior
Sexual Dimorphism: Negligible; males and females are nearly identical, though males tend to have darker fur.
Reproduction: Females lay small, pearl-like eggs in soft, warm soil or under mossy roots. Eggs rely on ambient warmth—fireside corners or sun-heated spots are ideal incubation sites.
Parental Care: Parents occasionally visit the nest to humidify and clean the soil with secreted oils, which protect the eggs from fungus and pests.
Intelligence: Comparable to small domestic mammals such as rabbits or ferrets. They can recognize individuals, respond to tone, and even learn simple habits like waiting for tea time.
Behavior: Tea Worms are social and highly comfort-seeking. They’re drawn to warm environments and companionship, especially humanoid presence. When content, they emit a faint hum or whistle—similar to a kettle heating up.
⤷ Ecology
Diet: Omnivorous micro-feeders. In the wild, they consume small insects, nectar, and berry juices. In domestic settings, they often beg for tea—each individual develops its own specific preference (some like mint, others favor black or floral teas). They never drink boiling tea; instinctively wait until it cools to a safe warmth. Don’t like iced tea
Habitat: Temperate forests and village peripheries. Naturally attracted to cozy, warm habitats such as inns, libraries, and tea shops.
Behavioral Pattern: Primarily diurnal but often become active during human tea times.
Natural Enemies: Predatory birds, small forest reptiles, and some domestic cats.
Population Control: Naturally low reproduction rate and high dependency on warmth limit overpopulation.
⤷ Cultural Status
Threat Level: Harmless; considered a “comfort species.”
Nicknames: Teacup Worm, Cozy Curl, Hearthsnake.
Legality: Protected in many provinces as “Domestic Symbiotes.” Ownership is permitted, but selling wild-caught specimens is forbidden.
Human Relationship: Beloved companions, especially among scholars, tea brewers, and elderly folk. Often used as informal “warmth charms” in homes and libraries.
Mythology: Some believe Tea Worms are born from leftover steam that gains life near hearths tended by kind hands. A popular superstition holds that offering your tea to a Tea Worm ensures a peaceful evening and wards off insomnia.
⤷ Biological Weaknesses
Sensitive to cold and drafts—temperatures below 10°C can cause lethargy or illness.
Cannot digest strong alcohols, spices, or salt.
Highly dependent on emotional atmosphere—stress or hostility in their environment causes shedding and appetite loss.
⤷ Additional Notes
Their fur absorbs heat efficiently and has mild medicinal use in herbal compresses.
Tea Worms can live up to 50–70 years in captivity if kept warm and well-fed.
When two Tea Worms bond, they often entwine their tails while sleeping, creating a symbol of companionship considered lucky in many cultures.
Solon Arclight have a pet tea worm