Dust Beetle

Additional Information

Domestication

Dust beetles have been bred by beetle herders in Themiscyra since shortly after the cataclysm. They are used both for their utility as a beast of burden and the large ammount of meat within their shells.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The primary diet of the dust beetle (and how it gets its name), is the soil of the wasteland, thoguh when traveling outside of it they seem content to ingest any soil. This and their docile nature makes them extremely low maintenance.
Their natural strength is harnessed to pull carts, power mills, and other functions carried out by beasts of burdern through history. They even make stable mounts as long as you are not in a hurry to get anywhere.
The beetles meat is harvested and eaten as a staple in the regions they are raised, travelers comparing it to a delicate mix of seafood and beef. Dehydrated it makes for a lightweight, stable protein, though due to the oils this process takes about twice as long as beef.
The carapace is likewise put to use, ground up for ink, used as roofing, even as a sturdy and lightweight form or armor.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Dust beetles can be found in the wilds throughout the wastelands. Occasionally domesticated ones will be seen in other areas.

Average Intelligence

Instinctual at best, but their instincts don't consist of much other than eating and breeding. Fortunately, this allows to be domesticated easily and used as strong, if slow paced, work animals.

Lifespan

20 years

Average Height

Larva - 3-6 inches diameter Pupa - 3-4 feet at the top of the carapace Adult - 6-7 feet at the top of the carapace

Average Weight

Larva - 10 lbs Pupa - 60 lbs Adult - 400 lbs

Average Length

Larva - 1-2 feet Pupa - 4-5 feet Adult - 8-10 feet

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

In the wild, the chiton of dust beetles is usually a muted brown or black, however breeders have found that including various metals and elements in their food can cause vibrant colors in their carapace and highlights patterns brought out by selective breeding.