N'kar Beetle
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- Common Names
- N'kar Beetle, Black Corpse Beetle
- A carrion eating beetle common throughout Annexea.
Description
- Classification
- Arthropod, Insect
- Size
- 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) long
- Appearance
- Wide bodied beetles, with short antennae, their shells are typically black with a iridescent emerald green flash in strong light.
- Variance
- Many subspecies of n'kar beetle exist with variations in colour. patterning, or shape of shells, and antennae.
Ecology
- Habitat
- N'kar beetles are found in nearly any climate and terrain, they dwell in loose soil and detritus.
- Diet
- N'kar are carnivorous scavengers, and will swarm an animals corpse stripping all flesh and soft tissues with remarkable alacrity. They can also detect carrion from a significant distance, and will travel far and wide in search of a meal.
Behaviour
- Social grouping
- Solitary, unless encountered as a swarm devouring carrion.
- Temperament
- Generally oblivious, but will scatter if sufficiently disturbed.
- Intelligence
- Negligible
- Reproduction
- N'kar will lay clusters of eggs resembling fat brown grain in and under rotting logs or other wood. Their larva when hatched eat molds and fungi until they pupate into adult beetles and switch to a meat based diet.
Notable Sub-Species
- Venomous N'kar Beetle
- At least one sub-species had evolved a venomous bite, and will hunt small animals, and other insects when carrion is not readily available. Their venom is less of a threat to large animals or people.
- Symbiotic N'kar Beetle
- A sub-species of n'kar beetle has adapted into a symbiotic relationship with Snail Trees and Tree Snails, forming a vital link in three part cycle.
Domestication
- General
- Some cultures may utilize n'kar beetles to remove flesh from corpses before interring the clean bones in reliquary urns and the like.
- Resources
- N'kar beetles, their eggs, and grubs can provide a source of protein for the less squeamish.
