Arctic Ankheg
"Ankheg's are arthropods that's normal territory is temperate forest or jungles. Yes I said normal. In the Walker's Arctic there are Ankheg's that have evolved to survive. How? I don't know and I don't care. All I know is that I'm not looking forward to seeing one on this mission."
~ Unknown Pathfinder Arctic Division
Basic Information
Anatomy
Arctic Ankhegs have a hard exoskeleton that has similar hardness steel. They have broad mandibles that can crush stones with ease. 6 long talon legs can dig through the earth easily. The organ that normal Ankhegs use for their acidic bile has developed into an organ that stores heated stones and/or water. Four multi-lidded eyes allow the Arctic Ankhegs to maintain a 160 degree sight.
Genetics and Reproduction
Scientific studies indicate that the Arctic Ankheg migrated to the Walker's Arctic by supplies contaminated by Ankheg eggs and mites. The survivability of the first generations was dependent on the hot springs and couldn't stray to far from those natural springs. As new clutches were born they evolved an organ that stores warmed water or warmed stones to maintain their body heat while they're outside of their habitat.
Arctic Ankhegs reproduce in a similar way to the typical ant. A queen will store the sperm of her mates till she produces enough eggs to fertilize. If there's no sperm for fertilization she will still lay the eggs. The unfertilized eggs will hatch into worker Ankhegs whose sole purpose is to guard the caverns, dig new structures, or fertilize virgin Ankheg queens. The eggs that are fertilized can either produce regular Arctic Ankhegs or an Ankheg Queen.
Ecology and Habitats
Arctic Ankhegs preferred habitats that are close to the natural hot springs that are throughout the Walker's Arctic. If there's no cavern system in the area the Arctic Ankhegs will dig a cavern system.
Scientific Name
Formica Ankheg
Geographic Distribution
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