Male Hatchling
Name: unnamed
Species: Onyx Mantis
Birthday: Saturday, July 31, 2010
Owner: ApprenticeCrone
Element: Neutral 
A shaky, gangly hatchling has forced its way out of this shell. Already the size of your hand, this mantis youngling has sharp ridges along its fore claws and small wings tucked close to its body. Upon emerging from its egg, it promptly devoured a fish you offered and fell asleep. It clearly isn't one of the more affectionate companions. Upon waking, the dark insect left the cave immediately and did not return until the sky had grown yellow with the morning light. The other hatchlings are a little unsure of this strange insect, and prefer to avoid it. The gryphons and cats in particular seem to want to attack it, but know better.
Insects rarely are magi companions, mostly because of their size but also due to their short life spans. Emerald and onyx mantises, however, are quite different. Reaching up to three feet in height, these insects live longer lives, are more intelligent, and possess powers quite unlike regular mantises. Their exteriors are hard and difficult to pierce, and their coloration allows for easy camouflage. Females of the species are the more dominant of the two. Onyx mantises are perfectly colored for the nocturnal lifestyle they prefer and usually hunt in the nighttimes. They are mostly black, with bellies marked in blue, and their large wings are capable of sustaining them in flight. These dark mantises are even more bad tempered than their emerald colors, hunting not only for food to sustain them, but also for enjoyment's sake.
Sprite art: GlassWalker (hatchling) | Description: Damien