Item #: SCP-478
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures: Dormant samples of SCP-478 should be kept in wooden containers, in dry, non-humid environments. It is crucial dormant samples are kept well sealed, and away from any mechanical or electronic equipment that could trigger a response. No fossil fuels or electricity should ever be allowed in contact with SCP-478-1 samples.
Description: While in a dormant state, samples of SCP-478 appear to be nothing more than common dust particles of varying compositions. Cursory analysis shows the dust to be normal, with a mean organic fraction of 29%. However, in-depth analysis shows that there are unusually high amounts of silicate structures embedded into the dust particles.
Contact with a variety of substances and high heat, including but not limited to combustion fuels, thermal and metallic lubricant greases, or metals being used as conductors for an electric current, will cause SCP-478 'dust' to 'germinate', and commence a process not currently understood in which it quickly causes slow pockets of surrounding matter to quickly deteriorate or dissolve, and amass in small (1cm or less) 'sacs' centering around the original dust particle.
After approximately 3 to 6 hours, small, vaguely 'bat-like' humanoid figures about 1cm in height 'hatch' from these sacs. Analysis of this form of SCP-478 has been difficult, but has shown that they posses something akin to a small nervous system, made up of fibrous silicate structures. Aside from that, the materials used in the body seem to vary depending on what the original 'sac' used for it's own formation. Those formed on electrical wiring are particularly puzzling; they seem to be made of the corresponding conductor metal as expected, but also seem to retain a voltage despite being cut off from the power supply. If they gather electricity from other sources or generate it on their own remains to be seen.
From birth, instances of SCP-478 seem to possess a high intelligence, which they devote almost entirely to sabotaging any nearby machinery or equipment. Their work is delicate, and often leaves no sign as to why or how the machinery has stopped working. They seem capable of high degrees of group coordination, though no verbal or physical communication has ever been observed, though observation has been difficult.
SCP-478 seem to be highly adept at detecting human presences, and are quick to hide within machinery if they sense possible discovery. Aside from claims of small movement in the peripheral vision, no foundation personnel has been capable of observing these creatures directly. Attempts to completely disassemble observed 'hiding' spots to find the creatures have proven useless, as it seems under pressure mobile instances of SCP-478 will revert to their 'dormant' dust form prematurely. Observations have thus far been done using remote technological equipment, but this poses its own obvious difficulties.
Individual instances of SCP-478 seem to last between 12 and 78 hours in their mobile forms before reverting to SCP-478's dormant dust form, at two particles per instance.
The extent of SCP-478's dispersion across the world is hard to predict, but is thought to possibly be quite widespread, and tracking down all dormant instances would be nigh impossible. However, due to SCP-478's secretive nature and subtlety, problems should be minimal.