The Madhura (Mellitus madhura) originated in India, although their exact evolutionary path remains unknown. They are currently classified as a part of family Mammaliaformes, largely because we know they're animals, and we know they have spines, but we don't know much else. They appear to be roughly mammalian, but our admittedly sketchy biological records indicate that they do not lactate, which puts them into a different class entirely. Quite honestly, we don't know.
Whatever evolutionary path the Madhura may have taken, they appear to be human, and can fit seamlessly into a human population. Many still live in India, although large Madhura populations have arisen in England, Canada, and the United States. Like many cryptid races, they seem to be trying to protect themselves by separating their populations as much as possible.
Madhura are considered critically endangered due to the efforts of the Covenant of St. George, and, as they have no natural defenses, it seems unlikely that this condition will reverse itself without outside intervention. Their extinction would be a genuine loss to the world, and not just because they make the best cookies any of us has ever tasted.
BIOLOGY
We really have no idea.
Madhura are superficially identical to humans, which may have been a defensive evolutionary tactic; look like an apex predator and don't get bothered. They consume fructose the way humans consume protein, and most seem to live on a diet of fruit, honey, and refined sugar. Examination of Madhura teeth has found them to be entirely devoid of tooth decay.
Madhura bear live young, but do not lactate. Instead, adults manufacture a specialized honey-like substance from glands beneath their tongues, feeding it to the infant. This enhances familial bonds while providing vital nutrients. This may indicate that the Madhura are somehow derived from insects. Again, we just don't know.
The lifespan of the Madhura appears to mirror the human norm. They have no offensive capabilities, but their presence in a neighborhood retards decay of all kinds, resulting in food lasting longer before spoiling, and reduced dental bills for everyone living in their immediate vicinity.
DESCRIPTION
Madhura appear to be normal humans of Indian descent. Their body odor is sweet and somewhat spicy, much like gingerbread. Some Madhura wear perfume or body spray to better blend with the human population; most just work in bakeries, which provides a more reliable form of camouflage.
Pictured below is Sunil, who works at the Madhura-owned bakery, Gingerbread Pudding, in Manhattan, New York. Gingerbread Pudding offers a 20% discount to all cryptozoologists not actively trying to kill the owners.
Artwork by Kory Bing.