Gembug

A gembug is a species found in Ethro , they form a rocky substance within them, which, with a bit of help, can be manipulated so that they form certain desired gemstones.
As such, gembugs are bred en mass and fed on the correct foods to produce the desired gems. Most children will work in Gembug farms during their free time, which is why schooling continues uninterrupted through the winter, after a holiday for the autumn and five day weeks during the spring and summer.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A rotund bug about the size of a foot, which slowly forms a stone within its body.

Biological Traits

They form a stone within them.

Genetics and Reproduction

Sexual reproduction, however, there doesn't seem to be separate biological sexes.

Growth Rate & Stages

Quickly grows, then slowly forms a stone, before the stone it grows kills it, by causing it to explode.

Ecology and Habitats

Found only in Ethro.

Dietary Needs and Habits

By feeding them certain plant material one can influence what stone/gem they form within them, however this isn't so much a need, at least not of the gembub, but rather of the humans

Biological Cycle

Hatch in the early spring, grow until summer, then they begin to form their stone within them, dying in the late autumn.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Farmed for their ability to produce rare gems within their body.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Found only in Ethro

Average Intelligence

Their intelligence has never been measured, it is estimated to be below that of a human

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The only known ones are hearing and feeling.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

None.

Scientific Name

Buggus Gemmus (Authors note: this may be a joke classification, thought up by the farmers)

Origin/Ancestry

Unknown

Lifespan

3/4 of a year.

Conservation Status

Not protected, just bred and killed.

Average Height

5 inches

Average Weight

The average weight increases over time as their stone forms within them.

Average Length

9 inches

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Purple. A dark purple, which slowly greys as their stone forms.

Geographic Distribution

• Ethro