Shellbacks are the Faerie expression of Beetles. They are the most varied race of Little People, ranging in size from 9 inches to two feet, builds from slim to stocky and a universe of colors and patterns. They are all, however, Aseelie. Shellbacks are Centauroid in form, having a elfish torso extending from a four-footed beetle abdomen.  They have antennae and compound eyes and a covering of hard chiton.  Hard wingcases on their abdomens cover two pairs of extendible wings, though in general they are clumbsy fliers. Many Shellbacks have a fondness for courtliness and chivalry, to they extent that they have created their own order of Knighthood, the SilverShields. There are both male and female Shellbacks. They lay eggs which hatch into grubs. Specifics vary, but most grubs spend 100 years underground sucking the juices from treeroots. For the most part, the parents cannot care for their offspring, but they often work out deals with Myrmidons or other tunneling races, trading their services for child care.