Species: Twinklehorn Beetle
Scientific Name: scintilla cornutus
Classification: Luminocoleoptera festivus (a horned glimmerbeetle in the carnivalis subgroup of bioluminescent coleoptera)
Habitat: Hollow tree trunks lined with mica, cavern mouths kissed by sunrise, garden lanterns left unattended overnight
Sound: A giggle-click, like two marbles touching in a velvet pouch, or the muffled tinkle of distant wind chimes
Delightfully round and faintly absurd, the Twinklehorn Beetle is best known for its expressive, almost mask-like face and distinct twin spiral horns. Each horn is tipped with a bioluminescent gland that pulses with warm amber light, especially at dusk. These lights are not just for show, though showy they are. Twinklehorns use their glow to communicate emotion, location, and even mood, and when gathered in groups, their horns flash in synchronized patterns resembling laughter or applause.
Despite their comical appearance, scintilla cornutus are sophisticated social insects. Their communities (called “gleams”) form intricate hierarchies based not on dominance, but charisma. The most luminous and rhythmically gifted individuals often become de facto leaders, guiding the group in nightly parades through low grasses and flower beds. They are gentle, rarely startled, and known to curiously investigate jewelry, fairy lights, or anything remotely twinkly.
Folktales call them lantern jesters, joy bugs, or even "keepers of the warm laugh." Some believe they follow music, while others claim they make it. Either way, they are a welcome guest wherever whimsy is welcome.