Bitemites glide from branch to branch where they extract tree sap from the veteran trees of the forbidden forest. When their storage pouches are full they return to the nest with their harvest.
The bitemite's needle-like fangs secrete an anticoagulant to help extract the thick tar-like sap of the indigenous forest trees. This chemical converts the sap into a sweet energy drink, a rare source of nutrition in an environment where most biomatter is toxic or carnivorous. An adventurer in need of sustenance would do well to snare a 'loaded' bitemite and feast on its nutritious cargo. But beware, these insectoids are never far from their kin who will attack en masse if their is a perceived threat to the colony.
Once a firm bite has been established the mite injects the anticoagulant into its prey, the tar sucking reflex then kicks in. A latched mite will jettison its body (thus killing it) to prevent any previously collected sap being contaminated. A swarm of bitemites can drain humanoid sized prey of blood in a matter seconds.
Other bitemite bi-products
1) Needle teeth used for climbing claws.
2) Anticoagulant applied to stabbing/cutting weapons to spur blood loss from inflicted wounds (a fave of
the death blossom clan).
3) Sap-juice can possess other beneficial/unexpected properties, depending on the source tree.
4) Chitin skulls can be fashioned into attractive ashtrays, lampshades or codpieces.
One of the contest's delights is its ability to produce unexpected winners.
