CLASS: ARTHROPOID

   The fusion of a human with a biting midge. This winged, infant-sized parasite dive bombs its victim, gouges with its cicular jaws and makes off with a hunk of flesh in the blink of an eye. While this "cookie cutter" feeding technique is only negligibly dangerous, the bite transmits mobile, parasitic cells of the Contaminat's own body, inducing an immediate fever, rash, internal bleeding and severe fatigue that persists for weeks. The prolonged and painful sickness seems to make victims an appetizing beacon to Contaminat or other sanguivores for miles around, some of which may continue to spread Contaminat cells for several days.

   Contaminat hunt and mate in whirling, column-shaped swarms at dawn and dusk, crowding into treetops to rest. They enjoy skating atop foul-smelling water.