Sand Beetles

Sand beetles are a major working animal of the Southern Deserts, where they are used to pull carts and travel across the vast sand dunes.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Afris Agloga are a breed of giant beetle, growing to about the size of an ox. They have six legs, hard exoskeletons, and wings that have adapted to quickly move underneath the sand. They have a large set of horns near their mandibles, which they use to shovel sand towards their wings while burrowing.

Genetics and Reproduction

Sand beetles lay eggs, often finding an oasis to use as a breeding ground. They are parthenogenic and males of the species are all but non-existent. Females lay unfertilized eggs which hatch into clones of their mother.

Growth Rate & Stages

Once the eggs hatch, they grow for around 6 months before reaching full maturity. When they hatch they are about 2ft long and have soft shells. Their shells harden over the course of the first month of their growth.

Ecology and Habitats

Afris Agloga live primarily in the southern deserts. They sleep and hunt by burrowing into the sands. Using their wings to shift the sand around themselves, they can travel extremely fast underground.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Sand beetles eat small animals and other insects, using their ability to travel under the sand to move extremely quickly towards their prey. It usually hunts near oasis, looking for prey as large as jackrabbits.

Biological Cycle

Sand beetles remain relatively static throughout their lives, though their horns do continue to grow as they age. The oldest members of the species can be identified by the size of their horns, which have been found to be up to 3ft in length.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Sand beetles have the ability to sense movements in the sands, which they use to hut small animals and other insects for food.

Scientific Name

Afris Agloga

Origin/Ancestry

Southern Deserts

Conservation Status

Sand beetles are common in the southern deserts, often used to transport goods between cities.

Geographic Distribution

• Southern Deserts