Ynt

About

Common Names

Ynts

Ynts are a common insect throughout the grassy areas of Annexea. They form hive nests underground, or in rotting logs and trees. These creatures tend to avoid others unless directly threatened. Generally only a small group out harvesting will be encountered.

Description

Classification

Arthropod, Insect

Size

Appearance

Tiny long-legged insects with distinct vertical jaws, long antennae, short palpi, and a large abdominal segment,

Variance

There exists a wide variety of body forms, colouration and other features across the many species of ynts. In most sub-species the fertile/breeding females are significantly larger, three to four times the size of workers, and have wings for a short time. Fertile/breeding males also have wings, but do not reach the same size. Infertile workers are smaller.

Ecology

Habitat

Tropical through sub-arctic latitudes, in nearly any biome.

Diet

Omnivorous, with some variation between the various species.

Behaviour

Social Grouping

Ynt form small to large colonies. Generally around a singular breeding female, and several males. The bulk of the colony members are infertile workers.

Temperament

Oblivious, unless threatened. Some species are aggressive as a default.

Intelligence

Negligible

Reproduction

During the spring colonies will produce a number of fertile females and males whom then fly out to seek mates from other colonies. A female will attract a consortium of males usually 3-5 in number. whom follow her to a suitable nest site. Together they will dig out tunnels and chambers in which the colony will live. After mating the female will lay a large quantity of eggs which are tended to by the males until they hatch and pupate into functioning workers. These workers will continue the expansion of the nest tunnels and begin resource gathering.

Notable Sub-Species

Ice Ynt

A sub-species of ynt which injects a numbing venom when biting. The bites are described as points of freezing cold, like being touched by a piece of ice. Sufficient quantities of this venom can cause muscle weakness and local paralysis in small animals.

Lattice Ynt

A sub-species of ynt which instead of digging tunnels in the earth or wood, will construct regular lattice structures by gluing together the bodies of deceased colony members. These lattice structures can incorporate small twigs, or plant stems, and examples measuring a few metres in diameter have been found.

Domestication

General

None.

Resources

Some varieties can produce honey, or waxes similar to wysps.