Glass Ant
The Glass ant is one of the few creatures to be native to the Vu'Ko'Tin, not made of glass as its name suggest the glass ant rather is named for its unique way of building its nests. Able to channel an elemental power the glass ant could just as easily be called the shock ant, as its carries with it a spark of lightning. The glass ants use this to form intricate sand glass nests that can over time grow to be over 2 meters tall with the underground portion often being larger still. Typically these nests are found in locations that are the closest to hidden waterways under the sand or the even rarer oasis, for this reason the towering glass nests are used as a waypoint by many of the Vu'Ko'Kita.
Very significant in the culture of the Vu'Ko'Kita the Glass ant is one of the totem animals that is tied to a Zaix-Ixan, because of this they are seen as being almost sacred and not to be disturbed. Finding a Glass next is seen as being a great blessing and the few permanent settlements that still exist in the desert are all reminiscent of the Glass nest structure, with a large portion of it being located under the sand rather than above it.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Covered with a hard exoskeleton, Glass ants are either pale yellow or orange in colour depending on the area of the desert they are found in. Usually around 1-2cm in length there have been reports of larger varieties closer to the tear. Six legged they are like all other insects, they are have large heads with compound eyes that are often the first part you notice due to their silver/white shine. The large mandibles are found at the front of the head either side of the powerful jaw and on occasion a flicker of energy will jump from one to the other.
Biological Traits
Able to Generate an elemental charge the Glass ant is linked to the lightning that it uses to make its Glass nests that give it its name.
Genetics and Reproduction
A nest of Glass ants is often 10'000 strong, with the Queen being able to double the size of the population over the course of a season. If a nest grows too large, then the Queen will birth another Queen who will take a portion of the colony and leave to start a new nest.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
There eyes producing a faint shine the Glass Ant is able to see in total darkness and navigates its way when underground through vibration and pheromones.
Geographic Distribution
Comments