Gnat
NPC
Common Gnat (Family: Sciaridae or Mycetophilidae, depending on species)
Gnats are tiny, delicate, non-biting flies closely related to mosquitoes (Order: Diptera, Suborder: Nematocera). Sharing a common ancestor with mosquitoes, gnats possess similar antennae and wing structures but lack the specialized proboscis for blood-feeding. Instead, most gnats feed on decaying plant matter, fungi, or nectar. They are short-lived, swarm in humid areas, and are naturally drawn to moisture and organic decay.
In blood and brood, gnats serve as environmental NPCs that hover near viable food sources and breeding grounds. They act as ambient indicators—subtle cues for the player to investigate the area for nectar, fungus, stagnant water, or decaying material. Though passive and harmless, their presence is a strategic advantage. Following a cluster of gnats may lead a player to larval feeding grounds or hidden standing water.
A random fact: Some species of fungus gnats glow in the dark during their larval stage to attract prey or mates—this eerie bioluminescence is mimicked in late-stage levels of the game.
In-game Role:
Passive NPC swarm
Highlights nearby resources or fungal bloom zones
May hover over neglected mosquito eggs or rot-infested water, hinting at hidden dangers like water mites or boatmen
Disperses when disturbed, subtly guiding the player via movement
Provides an ecological pulse of the environment—when they vanish entirely, it may signal toxins or predators nearby
Kingdom: Animalia
└── Phylum: Arthropoda
└── Class: Insecta
└── Order: Diptera (True Flies)
├── Suborder: Nematocera (Long-horned flies)
│ ├── Family: Culicidae → Mosquitoes
│ ├── Family: Sciaridae → Dark-winged Fungus Gnats
│ ├── Family: Mycetophilidae → Fungus Gnats
│ ├── Family: Ceratopogonidae → Biting Midges
│ └── Family: Chironomidae → Non-biting Midges
└── Suborder: Brachycera (Short-horned flies, e.g., houseflies)
