Ynt

About

Common Names: Ynts; Ynts are a common insect throughout the grassy areas of Anexea. 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.

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.

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.