Found commonly in arid, rocky regions all over the continent of Ōshū and on some surrounding islands, the ubiquitous nature of the timid little Stratta is not to be taken as a sign of weakness or place it as a "common" Pokémon in the minds of trainers. The small, palm-sized Ground-types are actually considerably more hearty than they're usually given credit for, and can prove more than a match for most Pokémon that would try to harass their nests.

Living in complex tunnel networks up to fifteen feet below the surface, most trainers wouldn't even realize they were nearby if not for the irregularly spaced holes from which the Stratta tend to pop up. Mostly identified by a windchime-like tinkling of their antennae moving, the tiny Pokémon surface to discard stone and gem scraps leftover from their digging, though they also feed on geological materials. They have a pronounced preference for limestone, precious metals, granite and gems, with the last part of their diet being directly responsible for the color of their geode and gem parts. Otherwise they feed on grasses and other low-growing plants.

Stratta nests usually consist of a few dozen members, up to a hundred in rarer cases, though that also includes their higher evolutionary relatives that make up the rest of the castes. Stratta themselves are the workers and explorers of their families, setting out on nocturnal expeditions to find food, as well as to assess threats. A Stratta nest that is disturbed will usually burrow away and find a new place to set up shop rather than deal with harassment.

When summoned from a Poké ball, the Stratta will almost immediately burrow into the soil for safety is possible, only leaving a portion of itself exposed to retaliate if need be. They are capable of spraying a noxious acidic mist when properly motivated, as well as delivering nasty bites with their gem-hardened mandibles.

Stratta are social creatures, and do well when introduced to other Pokémon for companionship. They are also quick to form lasting bonds with their trainers, and are a favorite among beginners in the region due to their ability to learn many useful moves, as well as tricks, with minimal difficulty. They are also common pets for Pokémon pageant trainers due to the ability to change the Stratta's gem colors with dietary adjustment.

Stratta, The Gem-Cutter Ant Pokemon, No. 005 in the Ōshū Global Pokédex.

Art by the always awesome  Goatmystic, as the first in a four-piece set of one of my Homebrew 'mon Starters.