Reproduction

Generally, the only males who reproduce are the flying ones or in their absence hovers. Hectonid Drakes lay eggs which need to be incubated using extremely high temperatures, thus the fire-breathing specimens run the "nursery," a large burrow where the eggs can be sprayed down with the drakes' flaming "breath" (see Fire Breathing for details). These nannies work in shifts so that there is a consistent source of flame for the incubation, allowing those off-shift to recuperate.

The eggs that will hatch into flying hectonids must be tended much more carefully. These eggs are a valuable resource to the colonies. A flying egg is lighter than air, like the drake that will hatch from it, and thus will float off if unprotected. The incubation process for a flying egg involves the egg itself being swallowed by a nonflying drake. The incubator gains a modicum of flight; the egg compensates for a part of its weight, allowing it to float like a "hover" type. At the end of the incubation period, the egg hatches and the chick eats its way out of the incubating drake, using the corpse for nourishment.