Thunderbug

Thunderbugs are a species of giant insect native to Elsweyr and surrounding coastal islands such as Khenarthi's Roost. Be careful though, these beautiful beetles don't get their name by coincidence, they can pack a shocking surprise if upset.

Appearance and Behavior
Thunderbugs are a type of giant beetle. Their carapace is commonly purple and gold colored. The Thunderbugs, while known to keep to themselves, can become very territorial when involving their young. Thunderbugs lay their eggs in dirt mounds near trees and rock outcroppings, then remain nearby to guard and protect the unhatched young from predators. If a predator is lucky enough to sneak up close and get an egg, the Thunderbug is very cautious so as not to harm its young. The Thunderbug will not attack if it could end up endangering it's eggs, but once the egg is safe the Thunderbug will retaliate with deadly force.

Thunderbugs attack using electrical energy that they create. The Thunderbug can attack its enemies with an electrical bite, or fire a ranged electrical shock burst towards its target. It is said that some Thunderbugs are large enough that they can cause a small weather phenomenon, creating lighting and thunder. The electrical shock that the beetles release is quite powerful and has been known to kill small creatures such as rats on contact. This feature has led some on rare occasion to employ Thunderbugs as a means of controlling pests, such as on moon sugar plantations.

Trivia

 * Thunderbug eggs are prized by some Khajiit as a delicacy. The eggs are said to be "sweet and tingly going down"