Beetle-headed merchants

The beetle-headed merchants were desert-dwellers that pre-dated all other tribes in the Si Wong Desert. Legend had it that their beetle-like headpieces dated back to ancient times when their ancestors lived underground and survived the attacks of giant gilacorns by mimicking the appearance of the nasty-tasting sour beetles — the only creatures on the desert floor not palatable to gilacorns.

Their opportunistic streak and flexibility helped make them skillful traders – they had an uncanny ability to see merchantable potential in almost anything presented to them. Their rather easygoing nature made them every tribe's first choice with whom to trade and swap.

The beetle-headed merchants made camp all over the Si Wong Desert and flew their red and black flag proudly. They traveled throughout the Desert to trade in as many places as possible, and also frequented the Misty Palms Oasis cantina to get good business and considered the cantina their base. They traveled on their giant beetles, which they had domesticated. The giant beetles played an important part in their culture.

History
Beetle-headed merchants were first seen when Ghashiun and some other members of local Sandbender Tribes sold Appa to them. The merchants hoped they would be able to sell Appa in Ba Sing Se for a large fortune and made a deal with the Sandbenders. However, after witnessing Appa's ferociousness and bad temper, they decided to send him to a Fire Nation circus instead.