Burning Ants

A type of ant that thrives in the cold conditions of the @[Savage Lands](location:dd133569-f8b2-47ad-a564-56746d7f93e4.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These insects are about twice the size of regular ants, with a hard exoskeleton and 6 triple jointed legs. The main types seen are the warriors and workers with the warriors having larger heads and mandibles.
All of these ants have the ability to use a chemical reaction to produce heat within their bodies, and can spray the substances used to create a flame. The warriors are also capable of producing a toxin which can paralyse smaller creatures (those up to about a foot in length).

Ecology and Habitats

These ants can be found in the colder parts of the savage lands. Making use of their ability to generate heat and flames, they dig their nests in or under the snow and ice. The nest is protected from the harsh conditions above by the insulating layers of snow and ice and the heat generated by the ants.
Within the nest the ants cultivate a form of fungus for food. This fungus grows easily on decaying animal or plant matter, so the main reason for the ants leaving the nest is to gather this sort of growing material. The ant generally try to go for easier sources by using plants or already dead animals, but when food is scarce they will attack living animals.

Collecting food

When it is necessary to collect fertilizer for their fungus, workers are sent out to burrow through the snow and ice in search of buried plants or bodies. The ants use faint vibrations through the ice to pick up where there are anomalies such as gaps, or organic matter. When something is found more workers are summoned along with warriors. The initial tunnel is widened and material is brought back through.
If a live creature is found then the warriors will move in to try to paralyse it. If they are successful then the workers will move in to pull it apart, using their flames if necessary to help break through the outer hide/exoskeleton. If the creature begins moving again the warriors will attempt to paralyse it again.
In the event that the search for food results in an encounter with something the ants can't paralyse then the warriors will attempt to drive it away while the workers retreat and collapse the tunnel.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Though generally considered a pest the Warstrider tribes (Hgtoha) have found ways to make use of the ants.

Poison

The poison of the warrior ants can be extracted by dropping them into a container of strong spirits. While poison is considered a cowards weapon, this one is deemed suitable for hunting. Unfortunately it takes dozens of warrior ants to produce a single dose of the poison (and wastes a lot of spirits.

Burn Paste

All of the ants can be crushed into a paste which makes it easier to get wood to catch fire. When the paste is rubbed on the wood either sparks or friction will be more likely to get the wood to light.

Trial of Growth

When a child of the Hgtoha passes the age of eight they undergo a trial where they consume a dish made from the ants.

Lifespan

3 years

Average Length

²/₃ inch

Geographic Distribution

• Savage Lands