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Description
One’s impression of foliates depends on which side they’re being viewed from. From above they could be mistaken for heavier-than-air fliers or gliders, with apparently thick skin and long wings, but these surfaces are ill-suited for lifting or gliding; they merely provide area for dermal algae to grow, where they can acquire sunlight and provide for the host via photosynthesis. It is from below that balloons could be seen, tucked underneath the curving upper membranes, and the foliate’s ballont heritage is made apparent.

Algae within the balloons require occasional exposure to produce hydrogen, and so the foliate intermittently flies upside down, allowing its internal partners some illumination and a chance to flourish. There is little risk to the ballont – semi-rigid skin material provides more robust protection than is available to its brethren, and wing edges are often ragged, spiky or razor-like to keep would-be predators at bay. A bigger concern is getting water to drink without coming into contact with marine hunters, and the hard wings lend themselves to this end as well; scoop-like formations serve instead of the mouth, allowing it to maintain its distance even at its most vulnerable moment.

Description
One’s impression of foliates depends on which side they’re being viewed from. From above they could be mistaken for heavier-than-air fliers or gliders, with apparently thick skin and long wings, but these surfaces are ill-suited for lifting or gliding; they merely provide area for dermal algae to grow, where they can acquire sunlight and provide for the host via photosynthesis. It is from below that balloons could be seen, tucked underneath the curving upper membranes, and the foliate’s ballont heritage is made apparent.

Algae within the balloons require occasional exposure to produce hydrogen, and so the foliate intermittently flies upside down, allowing its internal partners some illumination and a chance to flourish. There is little risk to the ballont – semi-rigid skin material provides more robust protection than is available to its brethren, and wing edges are often ragged, spiky or razor-like to keep would-be predators at bay. A bigger concern is getting water to drink without coming into contact with marine hunters, and the hard wings lend themselves to this end as well; scoop-like formations serve instead of the mouth, allowing it to maintain its distance even at its most vulnerable moment.