Antling

Antlings are similar to ants, and are the same size (insect-sized). They possess the same intelligence as humanoid species, and are capable of speech, using their own version of a common language.
They form societies and are capable of using tools and weapons.
Antlings typically serve a common queen, forming a communal government. Though generally peaceful, they are used to combat as a form of self-defense against predators.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Antlings have segmented bodies with six legs. They have two compound eyes and pincer-like mandibles.

Biological Traits

Antling colonies typically have a single queen, and sometimes a princess. Otherwise the colony is mostly male.
The male antlings are divided between common drones and warrior castes. Other specializations are theorized to exist.

Genetics and Reproduction

Antling colonies are birthed as eggs by a single female queen. All other members of the colony are typically male.

Growth Rate & Stages

Antlings, after hatching, have a larval, pupal and adult stage.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Antlings process food by eating raw materials and regurgitating them. They have developed a complicated system of brewing drinks and preparing food that would appear aliens to many humanoid species.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Communal biological monarchy

Domestication

Antlings have tamed dragonflies and use them as mounts. They have also domesticated some antlions, using them as beasts of burden, mounts and for defense of their colonies.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Antlings have excellent eyesight. In addition to possessing hearing, they can sense vibrations. They have an incredible sense of smell, and are able to communicate by scent through the use of pheromones.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

A cerebral fungus species has been discovered that can infect antling brains through food supplies and the consumption of dead infected antlings. The disease causes a condition similar to zombification.

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

Bronze age

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Antlings serve a religious-like devotion to communal needs.

Common Taboos

Antlings consider those who do not do daily work to be abhorrent.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

An antling princess recently married a half-orc (who was shrunk to ant-size).

Scientific Name

Formicidae sapiens

Average Height

1 - 20 millimeters

Average Weight

1 - 5 milligrams

Average Length

2 - 25 millimeters

Geographic Distribution

• Realm 90: Shrinktopia

Discovered by

Horatio