Antlion Grub

Grubs are the second known stage of development for Antlions, after the larval stage.

Anatomy

The grub's body is divided into a head and abdomen, with no distinct thorax. The head is brown and dome-like, rounding off into a small mouth with ten black teeth; two sets of four at either side and two, long, needle-like teeth at the top of the mouth. They posses no jaw, and the mouth simply remains open at the bottom of the head. Grubs possess six legs that produde from under it's head. These legs are divided into three segments and are rather short, not providing much in the way of mobility for the creature.

The abdomen of the grub is soft, ribbed, white and generally maggot-like. The end tip of their abdomen glows with yellow-green bioluminescence that provides much of the light for the colony.

Life & Behaviour

Grubs typically spend their time clinging on to any available surface and waiting to be fed by their matured brethren. Grubs are spread throughout the colony, but live in greatest concentration in chambers surrounding the larval nursery. When threatened a grub will chirp in alarm, but make no move to defend itself.

Husbandry

There is much that can be harvested from grubs. Their meat is said to be quite tasty (to Vortigaunts) and when crushed (which is easily accomplished) excrete a small, yellow pellet that is not unlike a lemon in appearance. These pellets possess powerful medicinal properties and can be used to treat wounds. It is also likely, though not definite, that the grubs excrete the silk-like substance that is used in the colony to seal off tunnels, create walkways and make the "grim pinatas." Their chambers are often completely coated in the substance.

Unlike the larvae, it is a simple task to harvest grubs as they are spread out to the very edges of the colony, and poorly guarded. That said, the nest will be roused if one interferes with the young too much.