Bit of concept art I had done for a book I'll be writing in years to come. Drawn by the ever wonderful  Akitary and partially inspired by the work of  Endium

Breed Bestiary:



Name: Custos Formicidae, "Guardian Ant."

Lifespan: 4-6 Years.

Sapience: 40% of typical human.

Food: "Sap," a processed mixture of sugars and carbohydrates.

Telepathic range: Can maintain contact with other ants within 20 meters.

Chitin thickness: 1cm

Typical armament: Spear, staff, baton. Not capable of using firearms.

Factory batch: 20 Units per batch.

Production cost: 26,000$ (General Imperial Dollars)

Production time: 30 days per batch.

Carry capacity (Primary arms): 100 Kg (220 lbs)

Carry capacity (Secondary arms): 50 Kg (110 lbs)

Carry capacity (All four arms): 150 Kg (330 lbs)

Coloration: Dark blue/black with red highlights.

Vertical Jump: 3 Meters

Daily active hours: 18-20.

Resin viscosity: 10,000 cps.

Resin reservoir: 2 liters.

Capable of application to human subject: No

Purpose: The Ant Guardian was developed after civilian use of the undercity ant-tunnels became an issue, and the use of firearm-armed Soldier ants (Miles Formicidae) as guards for the tunnels caused unrest. The Guardians are intended as agile, non-lethal combatants intended to police the upper tunnels for civilians, and apprehend intruders for removal. The red trim on their chitin is used to differentiate the Guardians from the Soldiers, which are red with black trim, and the Workers, which are solid black.

Unlike standard Worker and Soldier ants, the Guardians are capable of self-awareness and creative thinking, though only within the bonds of their pre-programmed tasks. They can recognize human faces, and detain repeat offenders through the use of quick-dry resin restraints. While not intended for lethal combat, the Guardians are capable of lethal action if certain parameters are met, though they will typically move to restrain and apprehend if at all possible.

While able to act independently, Guardian Ants will obey orders given by any supervisor of Class 2 or higher until either relieved of duty, or given new orders by the same, or a higher ranking supervisor.



If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them