Sterioxes

**Sterioxes** - one of the (supposedly) non-sapient species from Galaxy from the Nano Battlers universe, inhabiting the planet Karemo.

## Appearance

Approx. 2 meters high, 4 meters long. Covered with hard, gray armor consisting of overlapping plates. There are spikes on the head and body, and at the end of the abdomen - a triple sting. Two pairs of compound eyes, usually phosphorescent green. Three pairs of walking legs, the first with tongs. One pair of antennae. Two pairs of transparent green wings are hidden under the middle armor plate.

There is sexual dimorphism - males are usually slightly larger than females, spines of males are blue, and spines of females - pink.

## Respiratory system

It consists of a system of pipes with outlets and inlets hidden under the armor, as in the Earth's centipedes woodlice (which are not actually lice, only terrestrial crustaceans) - however, they are also equipped with avian-like lungs - tubular, rigid, connected to air sacs suitable for flying and allowing double breathing. The lungs are connected to the digestive system and, of course, to this tube system.

## Skeletal system

A hard but light outer skeleton as well as a godfather inner skeleton (this endoskeleton is rather underdeveloped, flexible and flabby). Celomatic.

## Digestive system

There are mandibles, as well as a movable lower jaw and upper teeth (some call them "jaw bone", but it's not known if this is scientifically correct). The presence of language. The corrosive saliva allows them to digest externally, but internally too. Besides, the digestive system is not that different from the human one.

## Circulatory system

Closed. The heart like mammals', birds' and crocodiles' ones - two atria, two chambers. Full septum. Oxygenated blood is light green, and deoxygenated blood is dark green.

## Sensory organs

Two pairs of compound eyes provide a wide field of view and a strong sensitivity to movement, but the images they see look like mosaics. They see well at night. The organs of hearing and smell are antennae, of taste - the tongue. The chemical senses are rather weak, but a strong sensitivity to shocks.

## Reproduction and maturation

Egg-bearing. Eggs centrolecythal and at the same time macrolecythal. Average diameter 40 cm, spherical shape, pale green in color, slightly glow in the dark. The yolk is a flexible, light green ball, while the egg white is bottle-colored, watery and foams easily. Three-layer second-mouths. Incomplete transformation - juveniles are simply miniatures of imago, but they do not have wings or spines (instead of the latter, there are spots - blue for males and pink for females, respectively). The mating season lasts practically all year round. Sterioxes are considered to be long-lived.

## Defense mechanisms

In case of danger, they curl up into spiky balls and roll on the enemy. They also fight with sharp claws, caustic saliva, stingers with strong venom, and also bite.

## Food

Omnivorous, with a predominance of animal food.

## Lifestyle

They are largely involved in digging new tunnels and caves, as well as hunting and gathering. In their caves they sometimes (like termites) grow plants and mushrooms, and even bake their own "bread" from ground grains (like reaper ants).

## Behavior

They usually don't attack the humanoids unless they're provoked.

## Social structure

The colony is led by the largest and strongest male, called the king. It has a characteristic "crown" of seven longer spikes on the head. He has a reproductive monopoly. Males are mainly hunters, builders and soldiers, while females farming and care for the young.

They make noises similar to spitting combined with snorting and wheezing. As they fly, their wings make a loud droning.

It is interesting that on the walls of their caves there are often strange traces that give the impression that they are a kind of writing, which would qualify sterioxes as intelligent species. Currently, however, it is a great unknown.

## Importance

Valued for its light and durable carapaces and edible meat.