jawnoci

Jawnoci is a fictional species created for science fantasy worldbuilding and popularized in role-playing games and speculative fiction. In-world, it belongs to the family Lumicidae and the genus Jawnocus. The term is used to describe individuals with luminescent markings.

Jawnoci are small arboreal mammals, about 12-18 cm long with a prehensile tail, dense fur that shifts from copper-brown to silvery-blue under light. They have bioluminescent skin patches along the back and sides, which glow in soft patterns during twilight. They possess keen night vision and agile limbs for climbing.

They inhabit the temperate forests of the Veridian archipelago, especially old-growth stands with mossy trunks. They feed on nectar, fruit, and small insects; they disperse seeds and pollinate night-blooming plants. Predators include owls and other small carnivores.

Jawnoci are social, living in family groups of up to six. Courtship involves luminescent displays and gentle vocalizations. Gestation is roughly 50-60 days, with litters of 2-3. Juveniles stay with parents for several months.

In-world, jawnoci feature in folklore as symbols of guidance and resilience; lantern cultures use their glow as a source of natural light; in tabletop and video games they are common companions and sources of luminescent dyes.

The name derives from the fictional Jawan language root jaw- meaning light, with the suffix -noci indicating a creature.