Jelloid

The Jelloid is a fictional species on the fictional exoplanet of Astakos IV.

The Jelloid has been observed early upon arrival of the settlers on Astakos IV, although it has never been studied intensively so far due to its seemingly dangerous nature.

It can be spotted in the skies of Astakos IV typically above grasslands-like and plains-like environment. It bears similarities to many species of Earth's jellyfish, although it seems to have evolved the ability to fly in the atmosphere rather than marine environments. It was suggested that it is able to control the production of methane within its envelope, allowing it to ascend and descend at the correct altitude to catch wind currents and glide towards different foraging patches.

It has been observed using its feelers-like appendices to grab and latch onto preys and, once tethered, seems to feed off the host for a while before taking off again, leaving the prey alive. However, dead specimens of various preys have been found with holes dug out of their bodies, suggesting the Jelloid might also drop larvae of some sorts that burrows into the prey until reach full growth.