Titanomantodae

The world of Arkael is home to many dangerous creatures. Such beasts as Dragons, Giants, Trolls and other such fauna, are undoubtedly the apex predators of the land’s ecosystem, and are among the most well-known and revered of these beings. Many of the most feared beings, however, are not as obvious. Many smaller types of fauna blend almost seamlessly into the environment, and of these species, there is a one that seems to evoke more fear then most.

Member's of the Family Titanomantodae and Gigamantodea are a race of massive mantis-like creatures, one of the lands few largest and most diverse of arthropods.
A creature both beautiful and terrifying; Gigamantid as they are normally called, takes the intelligence of the standardized Mantis on another level. It is an aggressive, intelligent, and patient ambush predator of dense, forested environments. Beautiful blades and graceful movements are trademark features of this animal. These creatures are often hidden from plain sight. Luckily for most beasts, they will only prey on creatures smaller than themselves, but this does not exclude the unlucky human…

Appearance

Gigamantids are, as a whole, gigantic praying mantis- they have large, triangular heads with a beak-like snout and mandibles. They have two bulbous compound eyes, three small simple eyes, and a pair of antennae which, depending on variation, oftentimes tend to be larger in females than in males. Their most distinguishable feature is their arms. Gigamantid much like their smaller relatives have two spiked, grasping forelegs (“raptorial legs”) in which prey items are caught and held securely. Their mouth consists of upper and lower jaws flanked by moving mandibles which are covered in large reddish-orange bristles. Wings extend from the top of its abdomen and move up and down like a bellows, enabling it to fly.

Behavior

Many in the animal kingdom are considered fearsome in their own right. However none embodies this aspect more than Gigamantid. Strong, curved appendages for grasping camouflage to better allow them to blend into their surroundings, razor sharp mandibles, impressive attack speed, and a vicious hunger make these one of the most spectacular beasts one can discover.
Compared to other creatures, their biological traits have remained relatively unchanged when in comparison with the original specimen, except for significantly increased size and physical traits such as the ability to glow in certain species. As such, Gigamantid much like their smaller cousins haven’t much changed in behavior- they are generalist predators with the majority of them being carnivorous ambush predators that actively scan their environment and feed on most creatures that are not too large to be captured by rapid extension of its raptorial legs.
Larger individuals sometimes eat creatures such as adolescents eat a variety of creatures. Large individuals who take up residence in more coastal regions, are known to attack and eat Gulpers, Anglers and the occasional wolf. Though it should be noted they are not against cannibalism, with more dominant creatures feasting on the remains of less fortunate, sometimes younger individuals.
Smaller individuals hunt and kill smaller creatures, with the smallest species of Gigamantid, G.desertus preying upon small rabbits, birds, rodents and a plethora of other small creatures

Intelligence

Gigamantid’s are one of if not the most intelligent creatures in Arkael only rivaled by Humans, Mer, Beastclan, Apes ect. . . possessing a level of intelligence that is unrivaled among most non-human species. Guild Members even found clear patterns in the sound they make when communicating with their own kind, hinting at using some kind of dialect to communicate. And while this idea may sound far fetched to many, it is actually not.
Many animals even on Earth are discovered to have their own languages. Prairie Dogs were known to have distinctly different warning calls for different predators; Orcas from different parts of the world were documented to have different “dialects'', even “accents” in their calls and songs, the same going for Goats born in different parts of the world. Whatever the extent to this “Mantid Language '' is, it is hard to document these interactions in depth, as observing Gigamantid up close is extremely dangerous. Their size, intelligence and for some individuals, the ability to pounce on its prey from a great distance or swarm potential meals means that one could be quickly swarmed and killed upon detection.

Abilities

Adaptive Camouflage: Gigamantid boasts one of the most impressive camouflaging abilities in the animal kingdom – although it is not quite as impressive as that of the animal kingdom’s cephalopods. By using cells similar to chromatophores, Gigamantid can change the coloration of their exoskeleton to blend into their environment. This ability is limited to broad strokes of the surrounding color palette and simple horizontal or splotch patterns. While this may not seem very useful, Gigamantid are masters of stillness. These traits combined make them highly effective ambush predators. However regional species of Gigamantid are limited by the actions of this camouflage at birth – their base coloration is determined by the color palette of their environment when they hatch. Gigamantid endemic to desert environments will be primarily red, brown, and yellow; those born in jungle environments tend to display shades of green and brown, as well as members who live in relatively grassy areas. However due to a high intelligence, this is often not an issue for accidentally imported nymphs’ who survive into adulthood, as they are highly adaptable and often find a way to cope with the lack of proper camouflage.

Extreme Intelligence: Intelligence is one of the Gigamantid’s strongest suits. Creatures sighted and observed have been reported to show extreme intelligence compared to other Insectoids, apparently being able to distinguish color, tell time based on light-sensing organs located near their brains, and the ability to remember patterns, locations, and the even the facial features of people or monsters of other species.

Forelimb Scythes: Unlike regular mantids, Gigamantid do not only use their forelimbs for gripping and grasping prey. Instead, their forelimbs have evolved into tools for stabbing and slashing. Most, if not all, of the monsters in a Gigamantid’s diet are extremely dangerous in their own right. Using graspers to hold dangerous, carnivorous prey up to the mouth would imperil a Gigamantid’s survival. By slashing and stabbing, Gigamantid can keep their distance and injure prey from afar at a safe range, thus allowing the creature to inhibit prey movement.

Flight: While Gigamantid nymphs are wingless, adult specimens have fully functional wings which allow them to fly. However this is limited between sexes, as while males are often found to be more active and agile, females are physically more powerful. However, this also tends to mean Adult females are generally too large and heavy for their wings to enable a take-off.

Weakness

The Gigamantid’s main weakness is that, despite their armored exoskeletons, they simply aren’t all that durable. As sturdy as their armor is, it is simply very thick chitin, and so is often too weak when facing off against more powerful foes. That said, they are still the apex predators that are not to be trifled with.
Additional weaknesses are practical, their hard chitin is not very heat resistant outside of practical heat intake. As a result they risk overheating at temps of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

WELL KNOWN SPECIES

Titanomantis Virens

Titanomantis Virens , also known as the Green Titan Mantid, is one of the largest members of the Gigamantid family. Topping scales at almost 20 feet tall, They are known to be one of the more aggressive breeds of Gigamantid’s, both to prey and themselves. Their aggression extends to other members of their species with intense infighting between them being a rather common part of their daily routine. This intense competition has resulted in various niche partitioning among the different growth stages and sexes of The Green Titan. Very young juveniles dwell in the high canopy where the adults can’t reach them, descending further down the forest the older they get.
Adult males are much smaller than the females and more gracile, along with being more flamboyantly colored and possessing the ability to fly for long distances thanks to their proportionally more massive wings and with the aid of biological jet propulsion via the highly advanced spiracles around their abdomen capable of producing a gust of air powerful enough to knock a human back several feet. The females on the other hand are not as adept flyers as the males, their wings proportionally less suited to lift their mass off the ground, but make up for it with greater strength, camouflage, weaponry, and armor.
Females are known to be highly aggressive, while the males are normally submissive. Females are known to be sadistic, and like to toy with smaller prey after she has disabled any means of potential escape, usually tearing into her victim, letting it go to writhe in agony, and ultimately repeating the process until she has had enough. Interestingly and gruesome enough, they are not averse to doing the same to some of their own kind, especially insubordinate members that can not learn to respect her ferocious temper: It’s something that most within her ranks take due note of, especially males when the time comes to try their luck in engaging with this unpredictably-tempered queen who is fully capable of biting their heads off.
Despite her aggressive personality, there are certain Gigamantid's that Females tolerate. Male Titans are extremely cautious when approaching her, often giving gifts in the form of captured prey to perhaps alleviate or postpone any potential hostility she may exhibit, just enough that they have managed to get into her good graces, thus forming the entourage that often accompanies her. Of a female entourage, two males, in particular, are the largest and most flamboyant, seemingly among the dominant members. These males have managed to claw their way up the pecking order to become so closely affiliated with the matriarch of their kind, perhaps tolerating them due to their greater effectiveness in battle compared to other males. But despite their greater ranking, they still need to heed the power of the matriarch if they are to fulfill their own desires.
If the males want to mate with her, they usually need to bring a large enough meal as a gift for her, lest there exists the possibility she may cannibalize one of them after mating. The two males are often seen fighting with each other for hierarchical status, the balance of power shifting more times than one can count. Despite this constant throw for power, females do not tend to pay attention to the squabbling of their petty mates and is more than willing to mate with other males if she desires (though these other males often don’t survive long after mating once the dominant males find out).

2- Titanomantis theristes

Titanomantis theristes by Cardiac-Rhythmic

Titanomantis Theristes, also known as the Titan Reaper or the Reaper Mantis, is one of the third largest members of the Gigamantid family standing at upwards of 15 feet tall, and surprisingly not much is well known about it. Commonly found in highly forested areas, Reapers are notorious for being elusive due to its stealthy nature. A normally shy solitary breed, they are known to be so hard to record and study that not much is generally known about them. Despite this however they ARE indeed well known for their intelligence, said to be capable of disarming traps and eluding capture, as well as their temperament. Known discovered specimens were said to be relatively docile and tended to not like to fight other creatures unless previously attacked. Despite this, it is assumed that most of its mannerisms are the same as the rest of its species.
Note: Sometimes when sightings are reported, it seems to vanish from the vicinity, which has given rise to the name Green Phantom.

3- Gigamantis letalis
Gigamantis letalis , or the Cutthroat Mantis is an extremely aggressive and highly territorial animal, and will pursue intruders relentlessly. Standing no more than 9 feet tall, they have extremely short tempers as well, becoming violently angry from the slightest provocation. Deadly and agile creatures, infamous for their powerful legs and strong paralyzing toxins, many people avoid their habitats in fear of them, though this hasn't stopped them from pursuing settlements in search of food. Males and Females are distinguishable from the Large crest like structure on their foreheads, which males will use to batter each other with during breeding season.

NOTABLE INDIVIDUALS

Hidebehind
Hidebehind is a large Unique Legendary male Forest Mantis (G. Dásos) that has terrorized people for years. Known to make unique deep, booming vocalization as an indicator of his presence, he is a strange creature, as for a species whose males are generally smaller than females, He is among the strongest and most tenacious foe encountered in his respective area, towering even over the largest Female known.

Old Creaky bones
Old Creaky bones is a Unique Legendary creature of an undisclosed species of Gigamantid. Not much is known about them, but people in rural settlements will often tell their children to keep them out of the woods: “If you stray off the path, Ol’ Creaky-Bones will snatch you away.” Though this warning has kept people away from the woods, there may be truth in the saying that there is more to this creature than what meets the eyes…

Widowmaker
Widowmaker is a Unique Legendary Female Mantis of the species G. Modus or the Harlequin Mantis. With a pattern unlike most of her species similar to that of a Black Widow Spider, Widowmaker has made many a hunter's wife a widow over the years. Sadistic even for her own kind, local legends will tell you that she has been known to bring prey even double her size down all by herself, that no trap or snare has been able to hold her, that she fears nothing, slays any male that tries to mount her, and devours no other flesh but human.

Trivia

• All Gigamantid have two large compound eyes and three smaller simple eyes. This grants the mantids extraordinary vision, and according to several popular hypotheses among the scientific community, gives Them an over 270 degree view of its environment. They are also highly reactive and hypersensitive to the subtlest of movement, often giving them a chance to avoid serious injury in most conditions.

• Similar to the diversity found in their smaller cousins, There are almost 250 types of Gigamantid found throughout Arkael. Though some are more known to others then most, this still makes them one of the most diverse of all the creatures found.

• There is actually a species of Gigamantid whose color is based on how many males she eats!! In the species known as The Golden Leo Mantid, males are known for their brightly orangey gold color and head crest similar to a lion's mane. Females are known to be larger, but are brown in color. However, by eating a large number of males, a female can become golden in color herself in a process similiar to how Flamingo's are known to go pink if they eat many krill and shrimp. The more males a female Lion eats, the brighter gold she’ll be.

• Gigamantid are known for their long life spans, living years compared to the months their cousins live. The longest lived species of Gigamantid is T. Basileus. They live upwards of 10 to twenty years of age, but much like all mantis they are lucky if they make it that far. The shortest lived species is G.Desertus living only around 1-5 years.

• G. Mortuus or the Corpse Mantid, a native to the Scarred Wasteland, is the most disturbing of all known mantids. One of the few known to produce a silk like substance which it uses to catch prey, Not only eating it but disturbingly ripping the skin off the body and wearing it’s skin as a cloak. This shocking behavior is both horrifying and intriguing to naturalists, and the reason as to why is unknown, but general consensus puts it down as a method of protection, as certain Corpse Mantid are picky about who’s skin they wear, choosing within their respective territory to wear the armor of the second most respective predator, or well defensed herbivore. In addition they are also known to make the most ear-piercing scream imaginable, said to sound like the screams of its many victims, thus given it its second title The Death-whistle Mantid, after the (not so commonly used as suspected) ‘death whistles’ that made piercing noises resembling a humans pain filled scream, which the ancient Aztecs may have used during ceremonies, sacrifices, or during battles to strike fear into their enemies, using them as a form of Psychological Warfare, similar to how the mantid does.

• The naming of Gigamantid is confusing to most, cause while the general species name for these creatures is Titanomantodae and they are popularly known as Gigamantid, Titanomantodae also references the small selection of Gigamantid that grow well above the general species size rate- these are commonly known as Titanomantis, and it is a name given to any set species whose maximum height pushes past the 9 to 10 foot ratio. So far only 2 Species are known to push pass this, T. Virens (The Green Titan Mantid) and it’s close relative, T.Basileus (The Sky King Mantid) both topping at 20 feet and 25 feet in height respectively.

Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Superorder: Dictyoptera
Order: Mantodea
Families: Gigamantodea, Titanomantodae
Ranking: Megafauna
Behavior Normally calm, poised, depending on species can be agressive up close
Habitat: Can occur on all continents except Icey, therefore their natural habitat is very diverse. There are species that occur in trees, bushes, grassland and even rocky or sandy desert environments. They can occur in wet ecosystems or in very dry systems. Their way of life strongly depends on its habitat and the species, but generally a mantid is a sit-and-wait predator
Senses: Their sense of sight is amazing compared to the abilities of other insects. They are one of the only kind of insect that has stereo-vision; it can look with two eyes at the same spot making it possible to judge distances very accurately. Their other senses are weak compared to ours; their sense of smell is mostly limited to smelling specific pheromones that members of their own species emit. Their sense of hearing is weak, but very special in the insect world. Almost all insects cannot hear as we do, they can only sense vibrations. But Gigamantids like their smaller cousins actually have one ear, in the middle of their abdomen.
Social: Sexes tend to be solitary
Active: During Dusk and Night