Minecrawler

When you ask a miner what the word minecrawler means to him, he will tell you death and fear.
These creatures resemble giant white ants, they live deep underground and feed on anything they can find. Often do they invade mine networks and kill the workers within for food or because the miners have dug too close to their hive.
Minecrawlers can often be heard scratching inside the rock walls underground which can send shivers down someones spine.
On occasion minecrawlers have been found to dig tunnels from sources of water into mining complexes, whether that happens by accident or on purpose is grounds for debate.

There are variations of minecrawlers inside a hive, from workers to warriors to the queen. The warriors guard the queen and the rest of the hive from intruders, no matter what said intruder is.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Shaped like a very large ant with a hard carapace and powerful mandibles.

Genetics and Reproduction

The queen lays many eggs which get fertilised by the workers. Each egg can take 1-2 weeks to hatch.

Growth Rate & Stages

Minecrawlers hatch as fully functional adults, the only difference is their carapace is very soft for the first week.

Ecology and Habitats

They live deep underground where it is cool and moist.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Food and water is collected by the workers and brought into the hive to a central collection hall where any hungry minecrawler can have access to it. The collection hall is almost as well guarded as the queen itself.

Additional Information

Social Structure

These creatures act as a hive mind, all serving the hive and the queen.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Some people have made some experimental armour out of the carapace plates of this creature.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

They can be found almost anywhere underground.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Minecrawlers have very sensitive eyes that can see well in the through glowing mushrooms very dimly lit hive. Outside the hive in caves for example, they can feel vibrations of underground creatures and sense smells and pheromones.

Lifespan

The average minecrawler lives 6 months.

Average Height

3'9"/1.2 meters

Average Weight

40 kg

Average Length

6'8"/2.1 meters

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Often a grey or white colouring.