Minewolf 🐺 🦗🧨
(Novacanis Liquidus Detonare) or Xittocoyotl
"Large insectoid canines with a sharp explosion-proof exoskeleton. They carry and produce a blue liquid in their body akin to nitroglycerine which they eject to defend and attack. Whilst solitary they can group together like a wolf pack and excel at hunting.
Thanks to their unmatched sense of smell they’re able to detect hazards early, the odor of mines and other explosives even if in different states of matter, becoming incredibly useful to demine fields after undergoing training and domestication. This species can be avoidant of humans however but once trust is gained they may become loyal companions."
I think one of the reasons ants are so interesting to watch is the expressive way they move their antennae. They move them independently, almost like a person feeling around trying to understand their surroundings. Not all arthropods do this— some just hold them out passively— but not ants! They will tappity tap tap u.
If you were talking to an ant she'd be touching you all over your face and body with those things. And she could probably find out all kinds of things about you you didn't even know yourself...
(though maybe not as much if you aren't an ant too, but I bet ants big enough to talk face to face with people would learn.)
"You have low blood sugar! And congratulations on the pregnancy!"
From our stacks: Illustration "Partners are found by matching the butterflies on the girl's shoulders to the antennae that the men wear," from Party Book. Framingham, Mass.: Dennison Manufacturing Co., 1929.