Ankheg

An Ankheg is a large, burrowing insectoid creature found all over the lands of Varda, but most commonly found in Therrezia and The Orcish Tribelands. As solitary creatures, a single Ankheg will typically have its own territory which it will defend fiercely from competitors. Despite this, it is not unknown for shared feeding grounds, especially if there is an abundance of prey that frequents the same area. Ankhegs will happily co-operate if there is a guaranteed meal!
As burrowing ambush predators, Ankheg' will wait 5-10 feet underground. When prey does come in to range, they will burst forth quickly, ensnaring any victims in their mandibles and dragging them back in to their burrows to eat. If prey resisted, the Ankheg could produce a stream if silky acid from it's mouth. This would shoot out up to 30 feet, disabling prey and making them easier to digest.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Covered in tough chitinous armour of browns and greys, an Ankheg will have six legs, powerful mandibles, and a long, flexible proboscis for attacking prey. Specimens are typically 10 foot in length, and have an average weight of 800 lbs. Their front limbs are adapted for burrowing and grasping prey.

Genetics and Reproduction

Mating season for Ankheg' falls in the Autumn, where males will often leave their territory to search for a female. Females often leave pheromone trails across their territories at this time for males to discover and follow. Mating can prove dangerous for the male Ankheg, as females are often larger and stronger, and can turn on the male if they perceive it as an unsuitable mate.
In he event that two males find the same female, they will return to their territorial instincts, fighting for dominance. The loser soon leaves the females' territory, knowing if it lingers it will usually end up as dinner for the mating pair!
After mating, the male must leave quickly else it will be killed and stored underground. The female will lay a batch of 6–12 eggs underground, and over the net few days will leave food in the tunnel for when the infants hatch. Eggs will hatch in around 10 days, the young Ankheg being no more than a few inches in length. They will immediately start to feast on the food left by the mother, which usually consists in part of the father.

Growth Rate & Stages

Over the course of a year, the young Ankheg will stay in their burrow, with the mother bringing sustenance after successful hunts. During this time the young will shed their exoskeleton several times. The safety of the burrow is vital for this, as the young will be exposed and vulnerable after shedding in this way.
After about a year, the infants will be able to fend for themselves, slowly moving out of their nesting burrow and forming their own. As they grow in size and experience, they will venture further and further afield, eventually forming their own territory. Ankeh will continue to grow and shed their skin for the remainder of their lives, although growth rates decline with age.

Ecology and Habitats

Ankheg typically stay underground in their burrows for most of their life; a perfect hiding spot and defence for any potential threats. These burrows could be anywhere up to 40 feet underground, and range from 60 to 150 in length in a small network. Grasslands and forests are where Ankheg are usually found, with their burrows being on or near well-travelled game trails or other areas of high traffic.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The diet of an Ankheg is greatly reliant on available food in the area. Most common will be the local wildlife, such as deer or goats. Anything that wanders near an Ankheg burrow is fair game, however, and at the sense of an vibration, the Ankheg will attack in hopes of a meal. Many travellers have found themselves victims of an Ankheg ambush, and it is only the toughest or most fortunate ones that manage to escape.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

An adaptation of their burrowing lifestyle, Ankheg' can detect vibrations from up to 60 feet away. They use this alongside their ability to see clearly in the dark, making for a viscous ambush predator.

Average Weight

800 lb

Average Length

10 feet

Type
Large Beast (disputed. Monstrosity)
Location
Grasslands and Forests of Varda