Golden Grasshopper

And so he followed the cloud of gold, all the way to the Gleaming Lake, where stood a youngling covered in gold

— The Book of Tutumayre Lore, Transcribred Folklore

The Golden Grasshopper is a rare species of grasshopper, found around the world. Records indicate its existance during Pre-Historical Era, and was even part of humans diet in certain regions. Currently, it is considered an endangered species by the League of Nations.
Since ancient times, it has been associeted with prosperity and evolution. It is a common symbolism for growth, be it internal, external, personal or general. In more than one folklore, it is also a guide to historical and mythological figures.

Lifecycle

Observation of enclosed specimes record an average of four molting per year. This equals to an average of eight to sixteen moltings in a single lifetime, far beyond the number of moltings in other grasshopper species. This, the sturdiness and size of the Golden Grasshopper are considered the scientific basis to the symbolism of growth.

Influences

Myths

As the Sun left to rest at Nights lap, the small embers left at his wake came to life and jumped to the forest, always higher and farther wishing only to return to sky they came from

— Compiled tales of Kuarassi Volume 1, Curu-Kuaras

Golden Grasshoppers appear in myths of distant civilizations, most notoriously the Curu-Kuaras and the Tutumayre. On Tutumayre mythology, Grasshoppers guide the nation's mythological founder during part of their travels and later joined the army against invading forces as a shape-assuming swarm.
For Curu-Kuaras, Golden Grasshoppers are created from the embers left from Sun touching the earth, and eating these creatures can bring one closer to divinity - at the risk of angering the gods that consider the creatures to be inheritors of the Sun.

Science

A study conducted in the Institute of Advanced Science and Research and published in 1878, suggested that Golden Grasshoppers produce a special enzyme secreted in their legs. The study dived into what could be an use to such enzyme, but it's results are considered specially exagerated in modern days.
The creator of Zenith credited the research from 1878 as an important part of their discovery, even if the original recipe has been lost. Given the endangered status of the creature, and the dificulty in finding it, research on the matter has stalled.

Commonly found

Mostly on the continents of Novalma, the Firstlands and Oceanic Dawnland

Lifespan

2 to 5 years