Lava Crickets

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Fiery Death

Any insectivore that eats a lava cricket would inevitably feel the heat of the red salt kept in its gut once the rest of the body around it dissolves. If they were eaten in sufficient numbers, these tiny pellets of salt would burn through the predator's stomach and intestines. As a result, any animals that live in close proximity to Kalanamak instinctively learned to avoid them.

Ecology and Habitats

Volcanic Plains

The crickets appear to have a preference for heat. They thrive in a landscape of hardened lava flows and jagged edges softened by a thick layer of chirping insects. The crickets move along the ground in mesmerizing waves that follow the ancient lava flows.

They are more widespread than most people believe. It is just the red salt that is restricted to this place. No one really notices since no birds or lizards are spontaneously combusting.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Red Salt

Tiny spherical salt grains that combust upon being the crickets being eaten by predators.

Vegetation

Shruby grass make up the majority of their diet, but are perfectly capable of eating almost anything.

Cannibal

When lacking its typical food, the lava crickets would eat their dead kin.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Swarms

An average swarm can take up 10 ft diameter of space and cause disadvantage on concentration and skill checks to anyone unfortunate enough to be inside a swarm. The swarm can not regain hp or gain temporary hit points.
It is only when a lava cricket is bisected or crushed that there's a chance of d10 fire damage that continues every turn until it is doused.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Red Salt Container

Lava crickets are the only creatures that can bare, much less eat, red salt. Foreigners sweep crickets from the lava shores and transport them as far as the fall wall and beyond Giantsfall to carry the rare red salt inside it.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Fungal Diseases

The area experiences not-infrequent cycles of fungal outbreaks that target the crickets' antennae and regularly cull the population.

Lifespan

6 Months

Conservation Status

Confirmed population exists in Kalanamak

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dirty Green with Black Spots

Geographic Distribution

• Fire Mountain

Related Organizations

• Xiuhtotontli