Paracharonopsis Terranidens, more commonly called the “Sandclaw” is a giant, formidable burrowing insect that spends most of its time under the sand, waiting for prey to pass by. Unlike most insects found on the ARKs, the Sandclaw lacks venom, relying instead on its immense strength and its unique trap ability. When it senses vibrations from above, it vibrates its body, creating a cloud of sand which slows and blinds the victim. The Sandclaw will then emerge from the sand, using its powerful claws to crush and immobilize its prey. Watch out for their antennae poking above the surface!
While rarely seen above the surface of the desert, the Sandclaw’s appearance is similar to that of tailless whip scorpions (it is indeed closely related) though it has had the traditional ARK treatment of becoming super-sized, and has a significant amount of chitinous plating and spikes on its claws.
Domesticated:
Taming a Sandclaw is no easy task. They only warm to humans that bait them with Sandclaw glands, unique organs that can be harvested from dead or unconscious Sandclaws. Even then, they must be forced to surface first without the would-be tamer being killed. Rumour has it this can be safely done with the vibrations from large creatures, or, for the truly brave, by using grenades…
Once tamed, however, these colossal insects are a valuable ally. Their trap ability can be used on wild creatures or enemy tribe members, draining their health, movement speed, and stamina. Once trapped, simply surface, and crush your enemy with the Sandclaw’s powerful grip. Just be sure to hold your breath while mounted on a burrowed Sandclaw!
Their excellent senses designed for the sand prove useful too, as the Sandclaw is able to find small deposits of rare materials underneath the desert’s surface, and then extract them by digging with its claws. On such a dangerous ARK, this can be important in saving a trip to enemy territory looking for rare resources.
Thanks for giving that a read. I’ve based the Sandclaw off the real-life Paracharonopsis Cambayensis, an insect of the same time period. Obviously it never got to such a size, but hey, this is ARK.
I love the idea of terrifying creatures burrowing under you, and having to tread lightly on the sand. Deathworms kind of satisfied this, but not being tameable and being kind of obvious to spot reduced the experience. I feel this creature would plug that gap.
The name “Terranidens” means “Earth-Biter”. A fitting title I think, for such a desert horror. Imagine wandering the desert alone, hearing a rumble, and suddenly…
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MiniWatto
Species: Paracharonopsis Terranidens
Common Name: Sandclaw
Period: Eocene
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Aggressive
Wild:
Paracharonopsis Terranidens, more commonly called the “Sandclaw” is a giant, formidable burrowing insect that spends most of its time under the sand, waiting for prey to pass by. Unlike most insects found on the ARKs, the Sandclaw lacks venom, relying instead on its immense strength and its unique trap ability. When it senses vibrations from above, it vibrates its body, creating a cloud of sand which slows and blinds the victim. The Sandclaw will then emerge from the sand, using its powerful claws to crush and immobilize its prey. Watch out for their antennae poking above the surface!
While rarely seen above the surface of the desert, the Sandclaw’s appearance is similar to that of tailless whip scorpions (it is indeed closely related) though it has had the traditional ARK treatment of becoming super-sized, and has a significant amount of chitinous plating and spikes on its claws.
Domesticated:
Taming a Sandclaw is no easy task. They only warm to humans that bait them with Sandclaw glands, unique organs that can be harvested from dead or unconscious Sandclaws. Even then, they must be forced to surface first without the would-be tamer being killed. Rumour has it this can be safely done with the vibrations from large creatures, or, for the truly brave, by using grenades…
Once tamed, however, these colossal insects are a valuable ally. Their trap ability can be used on wild creatures or enemy tribe members, draining their health, movement speed, and stamina. Once trapped, simply surface, and crush your enemy with the Sandclaw’s powerful grip. Just be sure to hold your breath while mounted on a burrowed Sandclaw!
Their excellent senses designed for the sand prove useful too, as the Sandclaw is able to find small deposits of rare materials underneath the desert’s surface, and then extract them by digging with its claws. On such a dangerous ARK, this can be important in saving a trip to enemy territory looking for rare resources.
Thanks for giving that a read. I’ve based the Sandclaw off the real-life Paracharonopsis Cambayensis, an insect of the same time period. Obviously it never got to such a size, but hey, this is ARK.
I love the idea of terrifying creatures burrowing under you, and having to tread lightly on the sand. Deathworms kind of satisfied this, but not being tameable and being kind of obvious to spot reduced the experience. I feel this creature would plug that gap.
The name “Terranidens” means “Earth-Biter”. A fitting title I think, for such a desert horror. Imagine wandering the desert alone, hearing a rumble, and suddenly…
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