| Ankheg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| General information | |||
| Universe | Warcraft | ||
| Aliases | Crypt Fiend (by the uneducated) | ||
| Classification | Unknown, though likely belong to Family Formicidae | ||
| Species type | Ant | ||
| Homeworld | Azeroth | ||
| Environment | Nerubian ruins Deserts | ||
| Intelligence | Sapient | ||
| Biochemistry | Carbon-based lifeform | ||
| Biological information | |||
| Average height | Monstrous | ||
| Average length | Monstrous | ||
| Average width | Monstrous | ||
| Lineage information | |||
| Cultural information | |||
| Affiliation(s) | Independent | ||
| Sociocultral characteristics | |||
| Scientific taxonomy | |||
| Planet | Earth | ||
| Domain | Eukaryota | ||
| Kingdom | Animalia | ||
| Phylum | Arthropoda | ||
| Class | Insecta | ||
| Order | Hymenoptera | ||
| Suborder | Apocrita | ||
| Superfamily | Vespoidea | ||
| Family | Formicidae | ||
| Other information | |||
| Status | Data Deficient | ||
Ankhegs are a species of monstrous, ant-like creatures indigenous to Azeroth that bear some distant resemblance to the Nerubian race. Ankhegs monopolize the Nerubian wastes, building their cave-like homes beneath the ruins of the Nerubian cities. They prey on those foolish enough to travel to the Nerubian lands in search of lost treasure or ancient knowledge. These desert-loving creatures are extremely dangerous and have in the past been incorrectly identified by the uneducated as giant crypt fiends.
These creatures have existed since the days of the Nerubian cities. Murals on the walls of those ancient cities imply that ankhegs were once captured for gladiatorial matches. One ankheg would face five or more Nerubian warriors, and it was considered a sign of favor from the gods if the Ankheg fought well or was difficult to destroy.