keilla

Keilla is a term used in speculative fiction and worldbuilding to designate a class of fictional organisms and the ecosystems they inhabit. In many settings, keilla refers to luminescent, photosynthetic microbes that form intricate, mutualistic relationships with plant or animal hosts. The concept serves as a flexible template rather than a fixed taxonomy, allowing writers to explore themes of cooperation, dependency, and ecological resilience.

Etymology and origins: The name keilla is typically attributed to a fictional language created for worldbuilding circles; it has been adopted across multiple universes by different authors, often without a canonical origin, which contributes to its status as a narrative device rather than a real biological term.

Biology and ecology: In most portrayals, keilla are small, photosynthetic organisms that harvest light to produce energy and exchange nutrients with hosts or surrounding microbial communities. They can form biofilms on surfaces or exist as free-living colonies. Their life cycles and exact biology vary by work, but common elements include pigment-based photosynthesis and environmentally responsive behavior.

In fiction and media: Keilla appear in novels, games, and fan wikis as a symbol of harmony between organisms and environments. Writers use keilla to address topics such as symbiosis, anthropogenic impact, and the ethics of altering ecosystems.

See also: speculative biology, worldbuilding, symbiosis.