Devil Ant

It is unknown if the Devil Ant is native to New Suns Republic world of Taos, it shares many similar characteristics with other species of Formicidae found on earth. It is theorized that it may have come over on an early settlement vessel, but there has been no conclusive evidence. The Forimicidae Diabolicus have the same basic body structure. Their exoskeleton being keenly adapted for the harsh environment of Taos. In the few instances where they were found inside the settlements, most small arms fire was ineffective. It is believed that exoskeletons are some form of bio-ferrous substance but testing has failed to unlock any results.

The Devil Ant lives in colonies that are a vast network of tunnels underground. These tunnels always connect to a source of water and are sometimes the source of conflict between colonies. Colonies will war with each other until one is eradicated or enslaved by the other over these resources.

Devil Ant colonies activities are mostly confined to their underground tunnels. It is believed the cultivate fungus and possibly hunt there, but this is not known. They have been observed to come out to the surface at night in great numbers, workers guarded by the much larger warriors, but the purpose of this is not yet know. It has been observed that workers from other colonies will mix together so this may be a form of mating or exchange between colonies. Formicidae Diabolicus are broken up into three "castes": workers, warriors, queen. The ants' outward appearance does not vary between castes or colonies, except with small cosmetic differences. However they do vary in size and temperament. Workers are found to be slightly smaller and will usually ignore most creatures when outside the colony.

The communicate using some form of pheromones' and can quickly inform the others to dangers. If one is killed, it automatically releases an "alarm" signal that will alert all others nearby to the threat. Warriors will then investigate and can release their own signal turning the normally docile workers into a frenzied mob. When in this state, they are capable of much destruction and have been seen rending light battlemechs to scrap. Warriors are much larger an aggressive. The are easily on the same threat level as battle armor able to shrug off most small arms fire and tear armor plating with their mandibles. The can vomit with great force and range an acid, which they will do to disable attackers as it often damages the less armored legs, eyes, and antennae.

It is unknown how the queen interacts with the colony as a whole as they have not been observed outside the colony alive. It is theorized that they can control and command the entire colony, but this has not been confirmed.

Taos Devil Ant AS Cards

Worker Swarm

Warriors