Prism Beetle
"Whether kept as a pet or used in potions, Prism Beetles are sure to bring a bit of rainbow magic into any wizarding collection." - Celyddon Rosser, author of Enchanted Fauna
The Prism Beetle is a small beetle species known for its unique beauty and magical properties. Their iridescent shells reflect light in a spectrum of rainbow colors, making them a popular pet among wizarding enthusiasts.
Physical Description
The Prism Beetle is typically around 2-3 centimeters in length, with a rounded, compact body shape. They have six legs and two antennae, which they use to sense their environment. The beetle's most notable feature is their hard, shiny shell, which is composed of layers of chitin that refract and reflect light to create the rainbow effect.
Habitat
In the wild, Prism Beetles are found in temperate forests, where they live in small colonies under rotting logs or in the soil. They are active during the day and feed on small insects and decaying organic matter.
Keeping and Care
Prism Beetles are easy to care for and can be kept in a small terrarium with soil, plants, and a source of water. They require a humid environment and a moderate temperature range, around 20-30 degrees Celsius. Owners can add a small piece of fruit to the terrarium as a source of food, but it is not necessary as the beetles will eat decaying organic matter in their environment.
Uses
In addition to their beauty, Prism Beetles are prized for their magical properties. Their shells can be ground into a powder which is used as pigment to create a luminescent, color-changing ink or dye that reacts to magic. This ink is used for a variety of purposes, from creating secret messages that only those with magic can read, to creating enchanted clothing that changes color with the wearer's mood or intention. When used in potions, the ground shells can provide a bonus to effects related to light, color, or illusions. Some have also claimed that the beetles can be used in divination, as their colors are said to indicate different magical energies.
Trivia
- Prism Beetle shells can be used as pigment for drawing ink used for Gyokumeiga.
- If the crushed beetle shells were cooked at specific temperatures, one can lock in specific colors.
- Prism Beetles keep graveyards near their nest. If one wishes to harvest their shells without harming them, one can collect the shells from these graveyards.