Deathmoths

A Deathmoth's characteristic shadow cast against the wallpaper of Level 5, captured by M.E.G. researchers in 2023

Deathmoths are a highly dangerous species of entity found primarily in Level 5 of the Backrooms, where they once served as part of the Beast of Level 5's hierarchy of creatures. These massive, moth-like beings are known for their extreme territorial behavior, pack hunting tactics, and their unusual ability to manipulate the perception of light and shadow within the Backrooms' environment.

Physical Characteristics

Deathmoths typically manifest as enormous lepidopteran creatures with wingspans reaching up to four meters. Unlike their earthly counterparts, Deathmoths possess distinctly otherworldly features, including multiple pairs of compound eyes that emit a faint bioluminescent glow and metallic-looking scales that seem to absorb rather than reflect light. Their wings are adorned with complex patterns that researchers have noted bear striking similarities to the art deco designs prevalent throughout Level 5's architecture.

The entities' most distinctive feature is their ability to manipulate darkness, creating zones of absolute blackness that they use both for hunting and defense. This ability appears to be generated by specialized organs located in their thorax, which emit particles that absorb all visible light in their vicinity. These "dark zones" can span several meters in diameter and have been known to persist for hours even after the Deathmoth has departed the area.

Behavior and Hunting Patterns

A M.E.G. researcher's diagram showing typical Deathmoth hunting formations

During the reign of the Beast of Level 5, Deathmoths exhibited highly organized behavior patterns, operating in coordinated groups of three to five individuals to patrol specific territories within The Terror Hotel and its surrounding areas. They would often work in conjunction with Smilers to herd wanderers toward designated "processing areas" where the Beast would attempt to recruit them into its staff.

Deathmoths hunt using a sophisticated strategy that combines their darkness-generating abilities with echolocation. They typically begin an attack by creating overlapping fields of darkness to disorient their prey, using their natural sonar abilities to navigate while their victims are effectively blinded. The creatures communicate through a combination of ultrasonic pulses and pheromone signals, allowing them to coordinate complex attack patterns even in complete darkness.

Historical Significance

Prior to 2024, Deathmoths were considered among the most organized and hierarchical of Backrooms entities, due largely to their association with the Beast of Level 5. They served as what the Beast referred to as its "security staff," maintaining order throughout Level 5 and enforcing the peculiar hotel-themed rules the Beast had established. This period marked the height of Deathmoth organization and territorial control.

Following the Beast's destruction during the events depicted in Wanderer, the Deathmoth population experienced a significant behavioral shift. Without the Beast's influence, many Deathmoths reverted to more primitive hunting patterns, though some maintained their territorial claims within The Terror Hotel. This period of chaos led to numerous conflicts with other entities and resulted in the formation of several distinct Deathmoth colonies throughout Level 5.

Scientific Research and Containment

The Major Explorer Group (M.E.G.) has conducted extensive research on Deathmoths, particularly focusing on their unique ability to generate darkness. Dr. Arnold Malkinson's early studies suggested a connection between this ability and the fundamental properties of the Backrooms themselves, though many of his findings were later called into question following his betrayal of the organization.

Researchers have developed several effective countermeasures against Deathmoths, including specialized flares that can temporarily disrupt their darkness-generating abilities and sonic devices that interfere with their echolocation. The most reliable defense remains Almond Water, which appears to repel the creatures when sprayed in their vicinity, though the exact mechanism of this effect remains unknown.

Cultural Impact

Within Backrooms exploration culture, Deathmoths have become symbolic of the more organized and intelligent threats that lurk within the liminal spaces. Their association with the Beast of Level 5 and their role in maintaining its bizarre hotel-themed domain has made them frequent subjects of documentation and discussion among survivors and researchers alike.

The creatures have inspired numerous artistic works within the Backrooms community, particularly in the period following the Beast's defeat. Their distinctive appearance and behavior have been featured in various survivor accounts and have influenced the design of security protocols for several M.E.G. outposts throughout the Backrooms.

Prevention and Survival Strategies

Experienced explorers have developed several reliable methods for avoiding Deathmoth encounters. The most effective approach involves maintaining constant awareness of light levels, as sudden darkening of an area often precedes a Deathmoth attack. Survivors are advised to carry multiple light sources and to move quickly but quietly when traversing known Deathmoth territories.

The Homely Hotel Faction has achieved some success in establishing peaceful coexistence with certain Deathmoth colonies, though these arrangements remain tenuous and are generally not recommended for inexperienced explorers to attempt. Their methods involve complex ritual-like behaviors that appear to mimic the organizational structures previously enforced by the Beast of Level 5.

See Also

• The Terror Hotel
• Level 5
• The Hive

References

• "Entities of The Terror Hotel: A Comprehensive Study" - M.E.G. Research Division, 2023
• "Post-Beast Behavioral Changes in Level 5 Fauna" - Journal of Backrooms Research, 2025
• "Light and Shadow: The Physics of Deathmoth Darkness Generation" - Dr. Arnold Malkinson, 2024
• "Survival Guide: Navigating Deathmoth Territory" - M.E.G. Field Manual, 2026