Xaa (ZAH)
Xaa are small omnivorous beetles with a particular liking for blood. As such, they are most often found near fields of bloodgrass, where they share a symbiotic relationship. It is also speculated that they played a role in the preference for cremation as a burial practice. Their cocoons -- known colloquially as bloodsilk -- are used in the small sericulture industry in the production of the textile of the same name.
'Xaa' is both the singular and plural term.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Six-legged, flightless invertebrates, with shell arcing into a single forward-pointing, arrowhead-shaped ridge with barbs along its length. Four front long mandibles surrounding a short vice-like pincer-mouth sharp enough to cut leather.
Biological Traits
Born brown in color to aid survival through adolescence; the more blood they feed on, the more their shells take on reddish tones. Females tend to be brighter in color.
Genetics and Reproduction
Large shared cocoons are spun by males of the species in the numerous connected crevices among the base crowns of plants, especially Bloodgrass, in which females lay up to a dozen eggs twice per year. Not all eggs will develop into pupae, and not all pupae will become adults. Depending on the health of the colony and what they are able to be fed, the pupae then exhibit a unique growth-matching behavior in order to all emerge every four years.
Due to their one-year life expectancy, multiple generations may deposit eggs in and tend to these cocoons, and the base colony rarely changes location once established.
Ecology and Habitats
Dry areas and dense, structured ground foliage are preferred.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Blood is a preferred meal, though they will rarely initiate the spilling of it and are not especially carnivorous besides. Plants or even seeds or algae high in iron are also acceptable. They are known to be able to go for long periods without food, entering a pseudo-hibernation in times of famine much like Penecta.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Colonies of one hundred to two hundred individuals.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The silk from their cocoons -- bloodsilk -- is used in sericulture to make the highly-prized cloudweave cloth.
Average Intelligence
Low
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Heightened sense of smell, able to detect a thimbleful of blood up to half a mile away. Eyesight by contrast is exceedingly poor.
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