Stinging Centipede

These enormous insects are the scourge of the Nishlath Ban, since it's the only area left on Ziln capable of supporting life. The scientific name hints the creatures were not originally this large, and the Tilgish say they used to only be finger sized house pests that dwelled in musty areas. But the Khuzgish's experiments went wrong, and created the apex predator monsters the planet has today, capable of living in the barren wasteland. It hunts mostly at night. If forced to exit it's warren underground during the unforgiving daylight, it will try to retreat to a darker spot.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Many pairs of legs connect to a long rigid body that can grow to the width of about 2 Tilgish skulls. The head is a tad smaller than a Tilgish's head. But that doesn't make it less deadly. The creature is wicked fast and can walk on any surface. Fist sized eyes are black and faceted. A pair of feeder arms extend from the mandibles, which house a pair of fangs that deliver the most deadly poison on the planet. Muscles are attached inside the fused plate exoskeleton. Mretz Taz have from 4 to 15 pairs of legs. After each molt the insect gains a new pair. It has a set of antennae in front and back. Each leg has a stinging barb that paralyzes its victim. Coloration varies from a yellow to a firey orange with grey or black stripes.

Giant Centipede by Public Domain

How would you like to have a staredown with this beast?

Genetics and Reproduction

The Tilgish know the creatures lay eggs and nests must be destroyed. But the females guard the nests until the larvae are able to feed by themselves. This isn't a caring gesture. It's simply ensures that at least 2 more of its kind survive because the young will kill and feed on each other. Hundreds of eggs can be laid.

Growth Rate & Stages

From larval form to maturity, takes 4 years. The insect giant can live 10 more years beyond that. A long lifespan for any wild creature on Ziln.

Ecology and Habitats

Underground warrens are the preferred dwelling.

Dietary Needs and Habits

While it prefers to eat meat, it will eat anything its mandibles can bite through--including metals. When the Khuzgish were still on the planet, they erected electric fences to keep the predators at bay.

Additional Information

Domestication

The Khuzgish tried, but failed to tame these creatures. Though they were used once in an attack as a swarm when two Khuzgish countries went to war. The aftermath was many dead Mnorh on both sides.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Their bodies can be disassembled and used for weapons and armor if you're lucky enough to kill them.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They can see well in the dark, but bright sunlight is overwhelming for them. Antennae up to a meter long are very sensitive to vibrations. The tail ones are often left touching the ground to check for the tremors of footsteps, while the front ones are kept in the air to check for sounds. They communicate via a complicated series of clicks, chirps from their mouths, and a grating sound from rubbing the back antennae.