Flash Buzzer

Classified by above-surface researchers as part of the hymenoptera family and closely related to torch bugs, the Flash Buzzer is significantly larger than its surface dwelling cousins. Although never seen above the surface, some stories about their existance have reached the universities, and there have been attempts in the past to bring them above ground for study. Needless to say, these attempts proved futile as Flash Buzzers exhibit highly aggressive behaviour to anything they perceive as either a threat or food, which includes almost all living beings. Records show they are especially aggressive towards spiders, but the reason behind this is shrouded in speculation.
Recent research suggests that Flash Buzzers are a subspecies of the D'ziriak, another insectoid species that lives in large, underground hives. This would explain their behaviour regarding spiders, but it is not known if the Flash Buzzers take part in the same hive mind as the D'ziriak. Flash Buzzers serve as hunters and drones for the D'ziriak, while occasionally taking on the role of guard dogs. They are incapable of fear, and will attack enemies four times their size without hesitation, almost suicidally so. D'ziriak can sometimes be seen commanding a small pack of up to six Flash Buzzers when they patrol the edges of their territory.
Flash Buzzers can accelerate the bioluminescense in their abdominal gland (known as 'flashing') by releasing a compound into their abdomen that serves as a catalyst. This triggers a blinding flash, dazzling friends and foes alike. After this, it takes about an hour for the Flash Buzzer to restart its bioluminescence gland, and it will not be able to produce light during this time.
If a Flash Buzzer dies or is slain, the bioluminescent gland will continue to give off light for several weeks, or months if the body is well-maintained. Denizens of Shorthaven use their abdomens as lanterns to light their streets.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Flash Buzzers are essentially torch bugs, albeit a monstrously large, carnivorous version. Adult specimens reach lengths of almost three feet, with their wingspan nearing two yards. They are typically black, with elongated legs that serve to grasp prey, and mandibles strong enough to crush chitin and bones with terrifying ease. Their segmented body ends in a bulb almost the size of a human head that glows with a fluorescent green light.
Flash Buzzers have four large membrane wings which, to keep the creatures aloft, can reach extreme speeds. and produce a characteristic buzzing sound that van be heard echoing from nearby caves. This makes the species somewhat feared, as estimating their numbers is hard to do by sound alone, and even a single Flash Buzzer can fill the surrounding cavern system with a low, droning warning. Flash Buzzers are thought to be rather clumsy fliers, never reaching altitudes more than a couple of feet.

Genetics and Reproduction

Flash Buzzers can usually be found living close to D'ziriak hives. It is speculated that they are genetically related, and that they grow from the same larvae as the D'ziriak, but that they differentiate between several forms during growth, similar to ants.

Growth Rate & Stages

After hatching, Flash Buzzer larvae grow to full size in about three weeks, after which they start leaving the hive. While Flash Buzzers could theoretically live for several years, due to their aggression and lack of self-preservation instinct they very rarely live longer than a few months.

Ecology and Habitats

Flash Buzzers live in D'ziriak hives in the subterranian parts of the natural and shadow planes. They can be found in most of these places, but as the D'ziriak favour mushroom forests, Flash Buzzers can be sighted mostly in those places as well.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Flash Buzzers have long been thought to be scavengers, but a report from a subterranean gnome named Gliglin from Shorthaven details their carnivorous behaviour. Flash Buzzers use their flash mainly when hunting in packs to dazzle their prey, and rely on numbers to take down larger opponents.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

It is assumed that Flash Buzzers need the light from their abdomen to see in the otherwise dark caves. This makes flashing a risky endeavor when a Flash Buzzer is alone, as it renders it blind for about an hour afterward.

Scientific Name

Micobombus Gigantus

Conservation Status

Not under protection

Geographic Distribution

• Shadowdark
• Underdark

Observation of the Flash Buzzer, entry 1

By Gliglin

Fascinating creatures, these family members of the so-called torch bugs. Their bioluminescent organs offering compensation for their poor vision in darkness, this species is clearly evolved to be a subterranean scavenger.
At the point of writing, I am watching in awe as three of these magnificent hymenopteroids diligently gnaw on the remains of what I can only guess was some kind of spider.
One of the creatures seems to have finally noticed me peacefully scribbling away at my parchment. Apparently driven by curiosity, it moves closer, finally revealing me in the light of its glowing abdomen. It starts clicking its mandibles in a strange, almost rhythmic pattern. Potentially some form of communication? The other bugs now also draw closer.
One of the bugs nudges my leg with its head. Perhaps this is a way for these creatures to show affection? Another Flash Buzzer softly bits my left arm with its mandibles. I try to push it away, but it continues to try and bute my arm more vigorously.
I was wrong on the account of these creatures being scavengers. As I conclude my notes, the bugs are eating away at my legs. But I will gladly give my life for science. To whomever it concerns, please don't let this valuable knowledge die with me.