Submission (#7788) Approved

Deep in Zevija's mines live small little insects often called gemstone beetles. This straightforward naming is due to the jewel-like resemblance these insects' wings have when compared to the gems and crystals buried within the mines. These troublesome little bugs can annoy miners quite a bit because they like to wedge themselves in crevasses in the rocky walls where they feed off of smaller organisms that wander too close. These insects are only the size of an elnin's paw.

Due to the rocky and somewhat dangerous climate and terrain that Zevija boasts the insects are quite durable as well. When they aren't nestled in a dark cave-like environment they'll occasionally wander to the surface. Their very sturdy beetle shells are faceted like gems and act as a protective barrier against some of the hot elements that might threaten the insects. If water splashes from a geyser or other hot body of water these little bugs will retreat beneath their shells, digging into the soil below. They're quite heat resistant as well and can tolerate lava flowing over their small bodies as long as they retreat into their shells.

Despite the durability of these small insects they do run the risk of being mistaken for actual gemstones and unfortunately one of their biggest dangers are the pickaxes and tools of locals looking to find work in the mines. Some elnin will use their shells and wings as jewelry or attempt to pass them as actual gemstones. They aren't nearly as profitable a resource though compared to actual gems. Most miners ignore them if they realize that the insects are around since they are fairly harmless. At worst they might annoy a working elnin with the soft clicking of their wings if they're disturbed from their resting spots on or around rocky surfaces. They're quite colorful little bugs though, some elnin have tried keeping them as pets but they seem to not thrive as well in captivity so mostly it's locals of Zevija that can keep a few around the outside of their homes at best.