Clutch Beetles (Diavolos ultraforma) are a species of insectoid Devil.
.anatomy
Clutch Beetles are extremely Anima-sensitive, and can vary drastically between appearance, with each individual being virtually unique in appearance and abilities. to the point they might not even be considered the same species. Some of the only shared characteristics are their their size, reaching an average length of ~6 cm, the presence of an elytra, and the lack of eyes.
.behaviour
Clutch Beetles are parasitic organisms. While they can survive as independent organisms independently, they will attempt to parasitise a possible host when given the chance, with all non-Devil vertebrates being viable candidates. They will, however, preferer organisms that are injured or dying. Their general behaviour, such as aggressiveness and sociality, also vary drastically between individuals.
The process begins with the Clutch Beetle attaching itself to the nape of the organism. It will then painlessly make its way inside, attaching itself to the host’s brainstem, before merging to the host’s peripheral nervous system, replacing the nerves throughout its body with the Clutch Beetle’s. Clutch Beetles are forever fused to their hosts, called ‘hybrids’. The process takes less than a second and releases large quantities of heat and light.
.abilities
The abilities of individual Clutch Beetles vary. Virtually no two Clutch Beetles have the exact same ability. Hybrids have increased reflexes and senses, some of them even restored if previously missing, with the exception of sight, which remains the same. However, when a hybrid experiences extreme trauma or is on the brink of death, the Clutch Beetle will trigger an active state to save itself and its host.
During this state, the most notable change is that the hybrid will constantly regenerate, capable of recovering all of its body parts and survive even the most lethal of injuries. The second is that its appearance will change, transforming and generating mass to reflect the abilities of the Clutch Beetle itself, along with an input from the host’s own genetic and psychological profile, meaning that even if two hybrids are host to the same Clutch Beetle, their abilities will have the same basis but with different execution. The blood of the hybrid will also turn silver.
Generally, the active state of hybrids will fall into three categories:
| Umbra | The hybrid’s entire body will undergo a transformation, forming a sort of suit around the hybrid itself, which they feel and control as part of their own body. |
| Penumbra | Only certain body parts will transform, leaving the rest of the hybrid’s body as is, usually being more precise compared to other types. The most common type. |
| Antumbra | Instead of changing the hybrid’s own anatomy, it will create a second body. This double is also constantly healing, its under direct control of the hybrid, who has a vague understanding of what it senses, and has a limited range, outside of which it will disintegrate. The rarest type. |
This active state is actively maintained by the hybrid’s own blood, which will be used to fuel it. If the blood supply reaches a critical point, the state will be forcefully halted, and all generated matter will quickly disintegrate, returning the hybrid to its base appearance. The hybrid can, however, consume the blood of other organisms to use as fuel instead, which means that, with a high enough quantity of blood, it can remain active indefinitely.
.reproduction
Clutch Beetles reproduce asexually. They lay thousands of eggs at a time, out of which only a handful of larvae hatch. All larvae are identical at birth, and will eat all the eggs that have yet to hatch. Differentiation begins during pupation, during which the larvae are at their most sensitive to environmental Anima. An overwhelming majority of larvae do not reach adulthood due to developmental failures. Adult Clutch Beetles are extremely rare.
Hybrids will always give birth to other hybrids, as long as at least one of the parents is a hybrid, regardless of sex. The only exception is if one of the parents is a Fae/half-breed, in which case the child will be a half-breed/regular human. The abilities of the parent cannot be used to predict the abilities of the child.
.diet
Clutch Beetles do not have a set diet, due to the extreme diversity between individuals. All larvae are omnivorous, however.