Vampiric Intestinal Cucumbers
The scientific term Vampiric Intestinal Cucumbers refers to a handful of species of vermiform parasites believed to have originated on Jojerykh, but have been reported in 1,031,290 locations, primarily in the Inner System and Extralegal Space. Their astonishing success is largely due their extreme hardiness and the early Nolnek Imperium's lack of rigorous shipping regulations (resolved by the Treaty of Kilkin-Voss).
Biology
Vampiric Intestinal Cucumbers are 5.32 standard units in size, but specimens of up to 69.1 standard units have been reported. They are cold-blooded, but capable of surviving temperatures as high as 210°S when dormant. Their knobbly[1] purple skin also retains water extremely well, aided by having only a single orifice. They are opportunistic endoparasites which are capable of consuming almost anything organic, and a non-zero number of non-organic materials as well. They suffer no ill effects of chirality poisoning and thus are capable of eating or parasitizing most known organic life regardless of planet of origin.
Behavior
When the ambient temperature drops below 21°S they begin to ambulate towards and cluster around any sources of heat, including radiators, active equipment and organics. Under conditions when food becomes scarce[2], they have been known to leech fluids from organics. As they are unpleasant to look at and often carriers of disease this is undesirable. Finally, they have been known to enter organic bodies, where they occupy the digestive tract. This is also undesirable.
History
Vampiric Intestinal Cucumbers were adopted as a mascot by the Nolneki corporation 'Akka!' from ZY 2788-89, who copyrighted their common name (Vampiric Intestinal Cucumbers). Vampiric Intestinal Cucumbers™ were subsequently incorporated into 'Akka!' corporation branding in heavily stylized form. This coincided with a 22.7% decrease in 'Akka!' stock over the following year and was rescinded before five financial segments had passed, however due to a common Nolneki bureaucratic technique it remains illegal to give Vampiric Intestinal Cucumbers any other official name, including in scientific publications.
Vampiric Intestinal Cucumbers remain extant on Jojerykh despite the environmental collapse.
PreservingMachine (talk) 19:12, 14 January 2019 (PST)
