Zhovllest

A small insect, after a unique effect upon consumption of the bug was discovered, zhovllest are currently considered extinct, and the last of the species died in captivity in the Enthar Empire.

Anatomy

Female zhovllest grow to ten centimetres in length, with most males less than half their size, on average between 3.5 to 4.5cm. All members of the species have nine legs, with a singular large eye deep-set into the chitinous exoskeleton of the insect.
While all zhovllest have black stomach and wings, the coleopteroid hemelytra (mimicking a beetle-like elytra covering over their wings), spans a range of jewel tones - teal, emerald, magenta.
Zhovllest hold substantially more aether than any other sentient creature in comparison to their body weight. While large mammals such as elephants or laltck have large wells of aether spread across their entire bodies, zhovllest contain a lot for such a small package. While aether is incorporeal, it is believed that a particular organ of the zhovllest allows such a comparatively large amount of aether. In the centre of their thorax, is a hollow, spherical space, believed to be the focus of their aether well.

Use

If consumed fresh and raw, zhovllest can stave off the effects of exhaustion. This was heavily utilised during the expansion of the Enthar Empire across the Enthar continent, allowing them to move troops more quickly and conduct attacks at unpredictable times. It changed the way the Empire conducted warfare. Rules of engagement, which is steeped in common-sense and safety for troops, was able to be stretched with the use of zhovllest and other mind and body altering uses of the aether.

Taxonomy:

Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Peyfora
Scientific name: Teracrura enerlae