Blood Beetle

Neither an animal nor a plant, but a mix between the two, such is the nature of the Blood Beetle. This peculiar organism poses quite the threat despite its size and it's a fearsome predator. It attracts potential prey by emitting a pleasant aroma, and when the unsuspecting victim approaches, it expels a soporific pollen that will leave the prey vulnerable to attack. Then, the blood beetle will feast on the blood of the victim, though it will generally not kill, as its prey tends to be much bigger than itself.

However, should the beetle decide to lay its eggs in the victim, the latter will not live for much longer. The eggs are burrowed in the prey's skin and will grow there for approximately one week and then begin to grow roots, which will consume the victim's nutrients until they are completely dry. Meanwhile, the eggs grow into a sort of crhysallis where the larva will develop. When the larva is fully grown, it will sprout its characteristic red flower, which will protrude out of the animal's skin. With its aroma it will attempt to attract its first prey, so that the larva can have nutrients right after "hatching". The hatchlings' size will depend on amount of nutrients the eggs managed to absorb during the growing process.