Field Notes

Species: Lumatode solsticia (largest of the Nematodes, surpassing the previously-thought largest 8 meter long Placentonema gigantisma found in the placenta of a sperm whale)

Range and Habitat: Originally they were unique to North America, but the past 2 decades have seen unprecedented growth in their population across the globe. Historically, growth rates had been thought to be concurrent with economic growth. But recent analysis indicates this is not the case. Adult L. solsticias are most common from November through January, attached to both the interior and exterior of human dwellings and vegetation. Though it is not uncommon to see them outside of these months.

Appearance: The nocturnal Lumatode solsticias may look like hundreds or even thousands of small lights ranging in size from 1cm to 4cm. Each strand can be a single color, or even multiple colors. These nodules produce a luminescence as a by-product of their parasitic digestive process. But these nodules are not individual beings, rather they are the reproductive egg cases of the larger organism. The average Lumatode is 3m in length though it is not uncommon to find them as long as 12m in length. The body (corporeal strand) is a thin, flexible, rubbery substance usually a shade of green but also found in black. Albino Lumatodes are less frequent with a mutation rate of approximately 1/24,500. These are not to be confused with the green-bodied white noduled variety. True albino mutations possess both white/clear nodules and a white corporeal strand.

Reproduction: All adult Lumatodes are hermaphroditic, having male reproductive organs at one end and female reproductive organs at the other end. They are not, however, self-fertilizing and must be plugged in to both a host and at least one other Lumatode in order to produce and combine mature sperm and ovum with another Lumatode. Interestingly, only the male end of the Lumatode can connect to a host organism. After the egg casings have been fertilized, they require 6 to 7 months of dormancy to fully mature into adult Lumatodes with reproductive capabilities. The ideal setting for this is in a cardboard box stashed away in a basement, attic, or warehouse space. If allowed to remain attached to the host organism year-round, the parasite can maintain its own health, but will not produce offspring. Fossil records indicate that past iterations of the Lumatodes had some distinct differences in their reproduction. The extinct L. americansis, for example, was particularly fragile. If one egg casing died, they all died. The modern L. solsticia has evolved an open-circuit system so the loss of one egg casing does not influence the rest of the corporeal strand. A useful mutation indeed!

Parasite/Moderator/Host Relationship: The most unique aspect of this 3-way symbiotic relationship is that the luminescent quality of the egg casings attracts the moderating species. The moderating species intentionally collects the Lumitodes and actively attaches them to the host organism. The necessary qualities of a host are fairly basic. As long as there is a source of electrical current and a corresponding female receptacle, the Lumitode will thrive.

Public Health Concerns: The effects of the Lumitode solsticia on Homo sapiens is indirect in nature. Mainly in the form of increased electrical bills and millions of wasted kilowatt hours. Negative global ramifications are clearly documented, and yet the humanoid continues to play moderating species in greater numbers every year. It is suggested that there may be a chemical component to this compulsion. Perhaps in the form of a pheromone given off by the Lumitode, or even the humans release of endorphins upon viewing the conglomerate of Lumatodes. It is theorized that the Lumatodes ability to blink and flash may have evolved to promote this relationship. But the scientifically agreed upon theory is the basic tendency of the human to compare and increase when assessing the possessions of their neighboring humans. Also a concern are the increase in auto accidents when drivers are distracted by the ostentatious mating displays.

Other notes: Other Species within the Lumitode Genus include: L. nuptulis, L. promic, L. photographica-oportunis, and L. hootenany-alcoholis. Current research is focusing on the development of a possible new Species in the past 10 years. DNA analysis is looking to see if the "icicle lights" are simply a variation within L. solsticia or if the mutation has become an entirely new species. If so, this rapid rate of evolving could be both caused by and contributing to Global Warming.