Mushi Mushi no Mi, Model: Wax Moth

[Fox]

Mushi Mushi no Mi, Model: Wax Moth

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English Name: Bug-Bug Fruit, Model: Wax Moth
Classification: Zoan
Owned By: Morgan Zola

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Appearance

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The Mushi Mushi no Mi, Model: Wax Moth resembles a Monstera Deliciosa fruit (or ceriman). It has hexagonal scales that swirl inwards in hexagonal spirals. The skin of the fruit is a rainbow of tropical colors and shines iridescently in sunlight. The pulp of the fruit is a pale yellow. The aroma of the fruit is heavenly, smelling like a mixture of banana, pineapple, and mango. Biting into the fruit, however, punishes the eater with a pungent sour flavor and an intense, acidic burning sensation.

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Ability

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This Devil Fruit turns its user into a(n) Wax Moth Fishman ("Wakkusuga Gyojin"), granting them the following transformations...

• Full Beast Form
  
  In full beast form, the Devil Fruit user fully takes on the qualities of the wax moth. Xe shrinks down to about 6” (15 cm) long. Xe has compound eyes, two antennas, wings that enable xem to fly, and six legs. Due to its size, this form lacks the strength of xyr hybrid and original forms but is ideal for stealth and going unnoticed.
• Half Beast Form
  
  In half beast form, the Devil Fruit user features a mix of xyr original and wax moth forms. Xe stands upright in humanoid fashion. An extra set of arms sprout from xyr torso. Xyr hands become like claws with four digits - three fingers and a thumb. Long, dusty wing wings drape down xyr back like a cape. Two antennas sprout from xyr head and drape down in front of xyr face. Xyr legs become much more narrow and lean, covered by carapace, xyr feet forming into dainty two toed appendages. A thick collar of fluff forms around xyr neck and shoulders. Xyr eyes take on a compound look as xyr vision sharpens.

This Devil Fruit also grants the user the following abilities...

• Ultrasonic Hearing
  
  The wax moth possesses an incredible sense of hearing. They can perceive frequencies up to 300kHz, which allows them to detect the ultrasonic sound waves emitted by bats as well as frequencies beyond. They are also able to emit and produce these ultrasonic pulses.
• Garbage Eater
  
  Due to their powerful digestive enzymes, the wax moth can ingest various substances like wax or even plastic and derive some nutritional value from the meal.
• Silent Flight
  
  The Devil Fruit user possesses the ability to fly with xyr moth wings in both hybrid and full beast forms. These wings are specially modified with iridescent scales, which muffle sound and allow for silent flight through the air. Xyr feet also afford them vertical mobility, being able to scale and stick to sheer surfaces with ease.

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Weaknesses

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• Kairoseki ("Sea-Prism Stone") debilitates the user by sapping their strength and prevents them from consciously controlling or activating their power.
• Submersion in water renders the Devil Fruit user immobile and causes them to sink, preventing conscious control of their abilities.

[Vio]

^{Hey, Fox! So, there’s a small set of hang-ups on this particular Zoan, because I can’t find anything that supports either of these two abilities. Firstly, adult moths can’t produce silk (that’s an ability only larvae have and lose when becoming adults). Second, I can’t find anything that supports them having completely silent flight, though I am finding a lot of interesting facts about ultrasound generation. If possible, could you provide sources to confirm?}

[Fox]

I don't really remember where my head was at when writing this fruit, Vio, so perhaps some part of me mistakenly believed that the adult forms of insects could take on some of their larval traits.

There are scientific articles for moths in general that refer to the noise cancelling properties of moth wings. Here's some of the articles:
www.cbc.ca/radio/bob-mcdonalds-blog-moth-wings-soundproofing-1.6491418
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220615102920.htm

I removed the silk generation, though I am curious if that's something that could be aspected in later. I think we're good now? Lemme know.

[Vio]

<sup>This, I never knew! Fascinating! As for the silk generation, to my knowledge, lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) lose that ability completely during metamorphosis—they basically melt down their bodies into an entirely new structure during the pupal stage of their lifecycle. I’m not entirely sure if that’s a possible thing for the future.

Aside from that, yes, we’re good to go! Consider this Approved!</sup>

[Vio]

^{Archived per request.}