Lurkers are giant R'unorian Beetles (domesticated) and represent the adult stage of the Pit Worm.

Appearance. The Lurker is a very large insect, often over 6 peds long and 2 peds tall (measured at the shoulder). Like all beetles Lurkers have six legs and a very hard exoskeleton, a super dense carapace - one of the strongest natural armors in the known world. The males are usually smaller than the females and are pale grey in color. Females are a bit larger and are black in color with two large blue, violet or red stripes down its back. The wings are covered by two large armored sections when not flying. There are two sets of wings, similar to the wings of smaller beetles - except for size and weight. Approximate wingspread of the Lurker is somewhere around 12 peds (wingtip to wingtip).

Like in its larval stage a Lurker is equipped with large powerful mandibles, although they are longer and thicker, capable of crushing bone. Also like in its younger stage there are three bloodred eyes located on the forehead in a triangular pattern.

Special Abilities. The Lurker, bred for military use is endowed with several unique abilities. Apart from its ability to fly, the beast is also capable of seeing a much greater color spectrum than humans do, seeing well into both ultraviolet and infered spectrums. Lurkers also can secrete powerful corrosive substances from glands near the base of there jaws, powerful enough to eat through wood, leather, flesh and even armor. Furthermore this substance can be spit distances of up to 60 peds.

Territory. These beetles are found exclusively within the R'unorian chain. Being domesticated they usually can been expected in or near private residences, Pit Worm farms and military compounds.

Habitat/Behaviour. The Lruker is the favored mount among R'unorian military for both its flight abilities and its natural armor. Lingering sexist views within the military still bare most men from becoming lurker riders, and therefore cavalry divisons are almost exclusively female. Most famous for hit and run attacks against ships as well as long range scouting, the Lurker is one of the most agile flying mounts. It is said that once the bond between Lurker and rider is formed they will remain loyal until their death.

Lifespan (starting at metamorphosis from larva): 20-60 years.

Diet. Unlike its younger stage the powerful Lurker is far from a helpless cow for the table. Being a domestic species however it is somewhat relient on its caretaker for food and such. If possibly the creatures are also allowed to feast at recent battlefields on carrions as well as on its own young (and other food animals).

Mating. The Lurker enters its reproductive stage every other summer, depending on weather and food availability. At this time the female begins releasing a powerful chemical trail, attacking as many as 20 or 30 males. During mating the male mounts the female from behind in a manner similar to a horse and fertilizes her eggs internally. This process is repeated several times with various males until it becomes time for her to lay her eggs. She is usually moved to a Pit Worm farm at this time, except if she was selected breeding for combat usage) and will remain with the eggs until they hatch  (unless they all die, in which case she just flies away back to her rider). With the young Pit Worms the mother stays approximately 5 years. Normally between 70 and 100 eggs are laid during one mating cycle.