Template:VespoidTopics
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In-Game Information
An enormous, wasp-like insectoid with a poisonous stinger that paralyzes prey. Easily damaged, there are rarely any usable parts left to harvest from them once they are killed.
Taxonomy
Large, wasp-like insects. Vespoids belong to the same category as Hornetaur and the Queen Vespoid, known as Neopterons. These large, insectoid creatures are surprisingly hardy and can survive in many environments. They are simple creatures with 6 appendages (four legs, two wings.)
Habitat Range
Vespoids inhabit literally every environment in Minegarde. They can somehow survive in the most extreme cold, the most intense heat, the most humid jungles, and the most arid deserts. If there is food of any nature, odds are there are Vespoids...
It would appear that the only places Vespoids do not live are human settlements, as man does not allow these large pests to establish hives near human dwellings.
Ecological Niche
Vespoids are simple slave workers to a single large Queen Vespoid. They come in two varieties. The small worker Vespoid is charged with gathering food, maintaining the hive, and caretaking the queen and her eggs. The large, sturdier soldier vespoids exist for the sole purpose of defending the queen. They will frequently attack any intruders, no matter how large or small. Their stingers don't penetrate the thick shells of most wyverns, but pose a significant deterrent to humans and Primatius alike. However these insects are heavily preyed upon by creatures such as Yian Kut-Ku, Gypceros, Hypnocatrice, Plesioth, Congalala, Chameleos, and smaller Drome raptors.
Biological Adaptations
Vespoids have developed very durable body structures. Their wings can carry their light frame great distances in search of food, and their tough exoskeleton protects them from some attacks. This shell also to helps to offer the small creature protection from any climate. Vespoids have a nasty stinger that injects its foes with a paralyzing toxin. Unfortunately, the creature often doesn't realize it has actually paralyzed its victim and will repeatedly sting it, even as it lays helpless on the ground.
Behavior
Vespoids are drones. Their sole purpose for existing is to serve their Queen. They perform every action necessary to ensure the survival of the queen, often sacrificing their own lives in the process. Vespoids communicate through a series of pheromones, and are given basic commands, such as to search for food. If a Vespoid hive's queen is killed, often the drone Vespoids will continue to wait patiently around the hive until they starve, or, if there is another hive nearby, defect to them. The Vespoid's aggressive nature doesn't let it co-exist with many monsters, though they are unaffected by the presence of Hornetaurs and are frequently found alongside them.