Sand Skimmer
Named for the observed method of movement seen in adults prior to attack, Sand Skimmers, are also known to bury themselves in sand, as well as “swim” through sand, making use of a sleek flat body, and long powerful tails (adults also grow wings). Native to the vast desert of Maka, it grows by feeding on the blood of vertebrates, transferring saliva to the host during the bit, which immobilizes small prey, often leading to death by the time the Sand Skimmer is satiated, or if joined by others of its kind, after which, it will detach, seeking safety to digest. After detaching larger creatures may be left with an itchy burning rash. Most ingest pathogens from the host, transmitting them to future hosts. In this way, Sand Skimmers are important vectors for many diseases, and by extension, accounting for as many as 6,000 deaths per year.
Regardless of sex, the Sand Skimmer’s body is a light-yellow color, camouflage for the sand they call home. Antennae are brown, which they primarily use to sense motion and heat signatures, both of which are necessary for locating hosts. They have simple eyes, constructed from biogenic silicon dioxide, which are believed to orient the animal or aid in detecting time of day.
Adult Sand Skimmers reach an average body length 50 mm (2 in), another 25 mm (1 in) in the long tail, a wingspan 75 mm (3in), and weighing in at about 3 grams (0.1 oz).
Basic Information
Growth Rate & Stages
Sand Skimmers undergo incomplete metamorphosis over the course 6 years (approximately 4 Earth years), starting when a nymph hatches from an egg; this starting phase is small, approximately 2mm in length. It must find a source of food, latching on with a sucker like mouth rimmed with teeth. It passes through four more phases in a similar manner, whereupon it achieves adulthood, acquiring two pair of wings, and taking to the air to mate. Pregnant females burrow deep into the sand until they reach the moist layer in which they lay their eggs, starting the cycle over.
75 mm (3 in) as adults
... Okay, so quick question: How do you burn a desert down?
Too low they build who build beneath the stars - Edward Young
That is a question Sērbaka have been asking since time immemorial.