isesees

Isesees are a fictional taxon created for fantasy worlds and speculative fiction. They describe a family of small, arboreal mammals known for their bioluminescent fur and highly social behavior. In most portrayals, adults reach 30 to 50 cm in body length, with a prehensile tail of similar length and a weight of about 2 to 5 kilograms. The fur glows with a steady, soft light, typically green or blue, which is used in group coordination and courtship displays.

Isesees inhabit temperate forests, riverine woodlands, and mangrove margins in various settings. They are nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates when available. They build aerial nests in hollow trees and communicate through a mixture of vocal calls, scent marking, and bioluminescent signals that pulse in rhythmic patterns.

Socially, isesees are often described as living in extended pods led by a dominant female. Young are cared for by both parents and older siblings, with juvenile groups remaining with the natal pod for many months. Breeding may be seasonal or year-round depending on the author, but litters commonly include two to four offspring.

In fiction, isesees are frequently used as symbols of memory, migration, and cooperation. They appear as companions in some stories, or as mysterious forest beings in others. When depicted as intelligent, they may use simple tools or coordinated group strategies.

Etymology: The name isesees is typically presented as a word from a constructed or colonial language within the fiction, sometimes explained as meaning light-walkers or memory-keepers. Variants include isee-sees or ise-ses in different works.