Bolgs

Bolgs are a fictional group of bog-dwelling invertebrates used in speculative fiction and world-building. They are described across works as elongated, soft-bodied detritivores that inhabit peatlands, fens, and damp leaf litter. There is no single canonical biology; authors vary their traits, but common features include a segmented, worm-like body and a simple sensory apparatus near the head.

Physical characteristics commonly attributed to Bolgs include lengths of about 2 to 6 centimeters, with colors ranging from dull brown to iridescent hues. Most depictions show a flexible, leathery cuticle suitable for life in water-saturated soils, and a lack of wings. They are typically described as burrowers or dwellers of the moist ground layer, feeding on decaying plant matter, microbes, and small invertebrates.

Habitat and distribution in fictional works place Bolgs across temperate bogs and peatlands, especially where sphagnum moss dominates the ground layer. They favor acidic, anoxic microhabitats but are sometimes depicted as surfacing during damp nights or heavy rains to disperse or feed.

Ecology and life cycle in these contexts position Bolgs as participants in litter decomposition and nutrient cycling within bog ecosystems. Reproduction is described variably: some sources depict sexual reproduction with internal fertilization, others describe asexual fragmentation or parthenogenesis. Lifespans are typically a matter of narrative needs, ranging from several months to a few years under favorable conditions.

Cultural context notes that Bolgs appear in fantasy novels, role‑playing games, and world‑building guides as neutral or enigmatic ecological inhabitants. They have no standing in real-world biology.