Herbantula
"It's probably about as afraid of you as you're afraid of it. At least that's what it's hoping for." - Celyddon Rosser, author of Enchanted Fauna
The Herbantula (Arachnobotia mimicus) is a fascinating creature that, at first glance, appears to be a large and intimidating spider. However, this resemblance is merely a clever form of protective mimicry, as the Herbantula is, in fact, more closely related to harvestmen, and entirely harmless.
Physical Description
The Herbantulas have oval bodies with 8 legs and two pedipalps. They have two eyes at the front of the head, and two pseudo eyes above that. The body, as well as the legs, are covered in spikes and hair.
Depending on the exact species, these creatures can reach up to 30 centimeters in length and their appearance is indeed reminiscent of a spider.
Diet
Contrary to its appearance, the Herbantula is a pure herbivore, primarily feeding on leaves, flowers, and other plant matter. Its unique digestive system allows it to break down and extract nutrients from even the toughest of plant fibers. This ability to consume a wide range of plant material makes it a highly adaptable creature, thriving in a variety of environments.
Herbantulas can be found in a variety of environments, from dense forests to more arid landscapes. They are known to be particularly abundant in regions with high concentrations of magical energy, where their silk production is at its most potent.
Behaviour
Herbantulas are generally docile and non-aggressive creatures. They use their terrifying appearance to deter potential predators, but they have no inclination towards attacking other beings. In fact, they will often retreat when faced with a threat, relying on their protective mimicry to discourage pursuit.
Silk
While other members of the order Opiliones are capable of producing silk, only the Herbantula's silk rivals spider silk in strength and durability. The silk is generally used to create nests and egg sacks. The only Herbantula producing sticky silk is the Seedfisher Herbantula (A. mimicus piscatorus) which weaves a huge, slightly sticky web to catch floating tree seeds. These webs are not as sticky as usual spiderwebs, but enough for seeds, while allowing most insects to free themselves.
Magical Properties
The nestbuilding silk produced by Herbantulas has remarkable magical properties. This extraordinary substance is imbued with potent protective and restorative energies. When woven into fabrics or incorporated into spells, Herbantula silk is known to amplify the effects of protective charms and enhance the potency of healing spells. It is also prized for its lightweight yet incredibly strong and durable qualities, making it a valuable material in the creation of magical robes and other enchanted garments.
Conservation
As magical creatures, Herbantulas should be treated with respect and their habitats preserved. The collection of Herbantula silk should be conducted responsibly and sustainably to ensure the continued survival of these remarkable beings. Although their appearance might be initially unsettling to some, it is important to remember that these creatures play a vital role in the magical ecosystem and should be protected accordingly.