Ambush Aridae (ah-rih-day)

Under the still sands of the Shajaman deserts, a silent predator patiently waits for its next victim. An imperial caravan makes its way through the harsh desert heat in search of profitable trade routes. Without warning, the once calm sand is kicked up by a large gust of wind. Within seconds the caravaneers are caught in a sandstorm that brings their range of vision to nearly nothing. As quickly as it formed, the sandstorm subsides, and the sands are quiet once again. The men are shocked to find the lead sled is missing both its driver and the two horses pulling it were gone without a trace. Without a word, the men strap the spare horses to the sled because, after all, the gold must flow.

Appearance

The Ambush Aridae, or insidiae Aradidae is a large, flat insect whose adults usually grow to be around 25 feet long and 18 feet at their widest section. Travelers in the remote regions of the desert have reported specimens as long as 50 feet; However, these claims are unreliable, and dubious at best. their front two legs rest relatively close to the head and are tipped with grabbers that are surprisingly dexterous for an insect of its size. the hind and middle legs are relatively close to each other, both coming from the same long protrusion jutting out from the abdomen. The Ambush Aridae sport incredibly tough armored plates on the top of their bodies. Slightly above the middle legs on each side is a small gap in the armor that leads to an inner air sac.

Hunting

Being ambush predators, the aptly named Ambush Aridae does not hunt traditionally. Instead, it buries itself several feet under the sand and waits for prey. After several days of waiting, it may go into deep sleep to preserve energy. Small hairs on its legs detects vibrations that are made when something walks on the sand. Once its prey is within striking distance, the Aridae will quickly expel air from its air sacs, causing a short but violent sandstorm that blinds prey and provides cover. The Ambush Aridae's ability to create a sandstorm means that they can safely snatch victims from large herds or caravans and avoid retaliation.

Domestication and Husbandry

Unsurprisingly, the Aridae is extremely difficult to tame, since you'll be hard pressed to interact with one unless it's about to eat you; however, it isn't unheard of for a bond to form between a person and an Aridae. They are relatively smart for an insect species, and can both remember people and tell them apart by the vibrations of their walk. They do not make good mounts, but their advanced sensory abilites make them excellent watchdogs for anyone who can manage to keep them fed.

Material Uses

The armored shell of an Aridae is both light and durable. Shajamah natives will hollow out larger shell pieces into sleds that effortlessly glide on the sands. Smaller pieces are fashioned into shields or armored plates. Their meat is safe to eat, but not particularly enjoyable. The legs can be buried in special fermenting pits to create a foul tasting, but incredibly hydrating liquid. Each segment of the leg can be then broken off and sealed to create a long, scabbard shaped waterskin for easy transport.

Scientific Name

insidiae Aradidae