Quatza-Rij (Earth-5875)

The quatza-rij are a species of colossal arthorpodal worm-like subterranean creatures native to Sanghelios. They are among the planet's fiercest predators.

History
As a per sangheili tradition, young bloods always hunt in groups of three. Some clans or particularly couragerous young bloods are sent in packs to kill a single quatza-rij with teamwork to be recognized as honorable and capable warriors, and thus be blooded as adult clansmen. However, only after training for years experienced warriors venture to the desert landscapes of Nuusra and Tolvuus on their own to take the creatues down. When succesful, some warriors will break away from their group to join the Covenant off-Sanghelios.

Anatomy and physiology
Quatza-Rij are solitary animals, and they only ever venture to encounter others during reproduction cycles. The species live underground, in nests that span massive areas and territories. They average 98' (35 ms), and their massive bodies are rarely seen entirely outside of the ground. When one attacks its prey or enemies it will only remove its head and mainline tentacles.

They are aggressive and territorial, and use large amounts of solar radiation to survive on planets, as well as moons and asteroids, despite the near lack of atmosphere. In an unusual form of photosynthesis, quatza-rij will eat oreas and minerals from the groud. Their blood is dark purple.

Cultural significance
A number of Elder sangheili warriors wear ceremonial armors fashioned from the exoskeleton of quatza-rij during their clan's rite of passage, to ceremony notable warriors and hunters.

This armor has none of the advanced technologies provided by the combat harness formerly fielded in the Covenant and continously used in splinter factions and the armor used by Kaidons and Arbiters, including the lack of energy shields and cloaking. It is merely a decorative tool, with three circles on the armor's forehead that indicates the three young bloods that will become blooded, the symbol of teamwork, brotherhood and unity.