The giant rhinoceros beetle is a large insect named for its immense size and facial prongs. Often seen in its native habitat, the Si Wong Desert, it is commonly used by the beetle-headed merchants as a beast of burden.[1][2]
History[]
In ancient times, giant rhinoceros beetles were tamed by some nomads in the Si Wong Desert. The nomads realized that the insects were great beasts of burden, while the regular shedding of their exoskeleton provided them with useful materials for items such as clothing. The nomads eventually became known as the beetle-headed merchants.[2][3]
In the spring of 100 AG, the beetle-headed merchants used their tamed giant rhinoceros beetle to drag a bound Appa onto a wooden contraption. However, before the beetle could start pulling the flying bison toward Ba Sing Se, it was flipped on its back and dragged along the ground as Appa took off. The animal was saved as its owners tranquilized Appa with shirshu-spit darts.[1]
Anatomy[]
These insects possess enormous green shells that serve as protection and keep moisture inside their bodies, both enabling them to survive in the harsh desert. They exhibit prongs, two small beady eyes, and six legs. Their bristly feet prevent the insects from sinking into the sand despite their considerable weight. Adult giant rhinoceros beetles are extremely strong.[2][3]
As giant rhinoceros beetles grow older, they became ever larger, but their shell does not grow at the same rate. Accordingly, they need to shed their skin on a fairly regular basis; empty rhinoceros beetle shells are thus quite common in the Si Wong Desert.[2][3]
Behavior[]
Giant rhinoceros beetles are not very intelligent creatures.[2]
Connection[]
The giant rhinoceros beetle is based on an enlarged version of the Japanese rhinoceros beetle.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ehasz, Elizabeth Welch (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (October 13, 2006). "Appa's Lost Days". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 16. Nickelodeon.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Beasts of the Four Nations: Creatures From Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, page 38.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Beasts of the Four Nations: Creatures From Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, page 39.