Sources
CR
Type
Size
Alignment
Movement

Swarm of Hoard Scarabs

Medium swarm of Tiny Monstrositys, Unaligned

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 31 (7d8)
Speed 20 ft., fly 20 ft., burrow 20 ft.
STR
6
-2
DEX
16
+3
CON
11
+0
INT
3
-4
WIS
8
-1
CHA
6
-2
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing
Condition Immunities Charmed, Frightened, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Prone, Restrained, Stunned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive Perception 9
Languages
Challenge 2 (450 XP)

Traits

False Appearance. If the swarm is motionless at the start of combat, it has advantage on its initiative roll. Moreover, if a creature hasn't observed the swarm move or act, that creature must succeed on a DC 18 Intelligence (Investigation) check to discern that the swarm is animate.

Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature's space and vice versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a Tiny scarab. The swarm can't regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.

Actions

Swarm of Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the swarm's space. Hit:13 (3d6 + 3) piercing damage, or 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage if the swarm is at half of its hit points or fewer, and the target has disadvantage on attack rolls until the start of its next turn.

Bonus Actions

Scale Dust (1/Day). The swarm releases magical glittering dust from its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of the swarm must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or be outlined in blue light for 10 minutes. While outlined in this way, a creature sheds dim light in a 10-foot radius and can't benefit from being invisible. In addition, every Dragon within 1 mile of the creature becomes aware of it and can unerringly track the creature. Casting dispel magic on the creature ends the effect on it.

Lore

Hoard scarabs are beetle-like creatures that, through some feat of natural adaptation or alchemical ingenuity, blend in perfectly among piles of gold coins. They feed on tiny mites that infest a dragon's scales and lair, and their painful bite can be a strong deterrent to would-be treasure thieves.