Miratuars

Miratuars are a fictional taxon of small arboreal mammals commonly appearing in fantasy literature and tabletop role-playing games. They are described as nocturnal, agile forest dwellers and are often depicted as clever, elusive guides or scouts within in-world ecosystems.

Physical characteristics: Miratuars measure about 9–13 cm in body length, with tails of 12–18 cm. Their fur is dense and iridescent, shifting color under different light. They have large, reflective eyes, short rounded ears, and soft paw pads with sharp, semi-retractable claws that enable rapid climbing.

Ecology and behavior: They inhabit mid- to upper-canopy forests across temperate and tropical regions in fictional settings. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruit, nectar, and occasionally small vertebrates. They form loose pairings or small family groups; territorial but tolerant of neighboring miratuars during fruit-rich seasons. They navigate by landmark memory and auditory cues and communicate with a complex system of chirps, whistles, and scent marks. Reproduction typically yields small litters, with parental care lasting several weeks.

In culture and media: Within stories and games, miratuars are often portrayed as wise scouts or loyal companions to adventurers. Their reflective fur and keen night vision make them symbols of memory and perception. They appear in artwork, iconography, and as puzzle elements that require careful observation to solve.

Taxonomy (in-world): Miratuars are placed in the fictional family Miratuaridae, within an invented order of Feraformes. The genus is Miratuaris, with several described species such as M. luminis and M. noctis.