Gem Ants

Gem ants live deep in caverns, feeding on gemstones they slowly break down into small sediment using an acid produced in their bodies. Unlike other sediment

Basic Information

Anatomy

by Leonardo.Ai, courtesy of Azothane

Similar to other ants, a gem ant's body consists of three main segments: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. Their bodies are made of a chitin-like material however unlike other ants this exoskeleton appears to be harder and more durable, potentially due to the unique diet of these creatures.
Gem ants are generally nearly black in coloration. After consuming gem powder however, parts of these ants tend in color toward the original color of the gemstone they had consumed.

Dietary Needs and Habits

by Leonardo.Ai, courtesy of Azothane

Gem ants use an acid produced inside a specialized gland in their bodies to slowly disintegrate gemstones deep underground. As they consume the dissolved gem powder, it mixes into a fluid compartments in their bodies for storage on the way back to their colonies. It's been observed that in certain light, parts of these ants' wings, abdomens, and even eyes tend to glow with the color of the consumed gem powder.  

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Some component manufacturers in Kore have begun testing the cultivation of colonies of gem ants to increase production of powdered gemstones. This material is broadly useful in the production of spell-related paraphernalia like foci and component gems, and in spellcasting in general, so the potential to increase its rate of production and reduction in material loss has drawn some interest to these creatures.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Gem ants have eyes that can perceive in low-light conditions, however they primarily perceive through sensation of vibrations and airflow via small hairs across their bodies, movement of their fluid glands, and their antennae (in some breeds).

by Leonardo.Ai, courtesy of Azothane

Creature Type
Beast

Size category
Fine

Average Weight

0.002 lbs (.02 lbs after feeding)

Average Length

1 - 2 inches

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Black bodies, some colors of gemstone after feeding.