Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Carrion Beetle

Large · Beast · CR 4 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

15 (natural armor)

127 (15d10 + 45)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Swim 5 ft (1.5 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Burrow 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Resistances & Immunities

Condition Immunities

paralyzed

Actions

Acid Spit

Recharge 5–6

The carrion beetle spits acid in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 26 (4d12) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Bite

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d12+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft, one target. Hit: 10 (1d12 + 4) piercing damage.

Claw

+6 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 1d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The beetle makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks.

About Carrion Beetle

Carrion Beetle is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 127 hit points (derived from 15d10 + 45).

GM Tips: Using Carrion Beetle

1 tips available

When using Carrion Beetle in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 30 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.

Player Guide: Facing Carrion Beetle

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 30 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Carrion Beetle?: Carrion Beetle has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Carrion Beetle?: Carrion Beetle is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.