Flintbeetle

Flintbeetles are small black oval beetles, which inhabit the volcanic slopes of the Twinobra Mountains. When threatened, the flintbeetle can create a sudden spark to scare of predators. This spark generates enough heat to sometimes accidentally set the dry vegetation around the beetle on fire though, which while not directly harmful to the flintbeetle does force it to seek out a new source of food.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Flintbeetles can reach sizes of up to 20 millimetre and have metallic black elytra. Their carapaces are long and slender, with a knob like head on top. They have single hardened tarsal spur on their back limbs, which they can quickly strike over their elytra to create a spark.

Growth Rate & Stages

Larvae of the flintbeetle feed on vegetation near the foot of the mountains, flying up after they metamorphosed into their adult form. Flintbeetle grubs can create a chirping like sound by rubbing their mandibles together, which they use to warn other grubs of their presence to avoid competition for food.

Ecology and Habitats

Flintbeetles are naturally heat resistant, and can survive for over a minute in temperatures of 1370 degrees Celsius without any lasting injuries. However the flintbeetle is most comfortably at temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The shell of a flintbeetle contain a small amount of quartz, which makes it stronger and gives it a natural shine. The beetles don't produce this quartz themselves, but rather gain it through their diet. Adult flintbeetles will go out of their way to search out rose quartz formations that have formed on the mountainside and nibble a tiny bit off.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The shell of a flintbeetle can be used as an improvised piece of flint when needed. A fire can be made by striking on the shell with a piece of metal, creating a ignition spark. Some people carry a small bag of flintbeetle shell on them because of this, but a few know that by using a live beetle there is no need for metal. Simply placing the beetle in the fireplace and stressing it out is enough to light the fire, after which the beetle can be scooped out and be reused later. However these beetles lose their ability to create sparks after not eating any rose quartz for one month.

Average Length

20 mm