Sand Skitrer

The Kasherent. More commonly known as the Sand Skitrer, is a massive Bug-like creature possessing 144 legs, 4 antennae, and a slick suit of armor to protect them from the sun and predators alike.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Armored in a segmented Exoskeleton, the 18 modules of the Sand Skitrer possess 4 pair of legs a piece. Articulated, clawed, and capable of surprising movement. Hidden under it's armored helmet are 6 scythelike pincers that drag food into it's mouth, though bony and scary looking, these appendages are too dull to do any real damage, the Skitrer preferring to consume it's small prey whole.

Genetics and Reproduction

Female Kasherent lay anywhere between 10-50 eggs in a den at least twice a year (If not provoked to do so more by a mate) When encountering said eggs, The male will inject a hypodermic needle- like appendage from below his pincers into the egg, fertilizing it.

Growth Rate & Stages

After nearly a month of growing in an egg they hatch into a Larval state. The Larva typically take one to three months to mature enough for their armor to become hard and an effective defense.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Though largely blind, The Sand Skitrer will find it's way using the two Antennae on it's head, and the two on it's backside as well as it's first two and last two pairs of legs which are capable of smell.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Working as a transit animal for humanoids of Sorenthis has nearly driven the wild species to extinction but the domesticated one benefits greatly, most dying of old age or exhaustion before being eaten. However, currently the Domesticated bugs are being infested with a parasitic species known as the Kalepids. Minuscule Tick-like creatures that slowly destroy the immune system of the skitrer until it dies of a natural cold.

Lifespan

15 years

Average Height

5 feet tall with legs sometimes capping 7

Average Weight

often nearly a ton

Average Length

Typically about 36 ft tip to tail

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Usually matte gray or tan plating covers their body, but dyeing or engraving plates has become a popular way of identifying a rider's beast.