======Bowtruckles======
=====Introduction=====
A **Bowtruckle** is a small, twig-like [[magical creature]] that guards [[wand]]-wood trees. Classified as XX ("Harmless / may be domesticated") by the [[Ministry of Magic]], they are peaceful and intensely shy beings but will become violent if their home tree is threatened. They are primarily insectivores and are native to western [[England]], southern [[Germany]], and certain Scandinavian forests. Due to their small size and natural [[camouflage]], they are very difficult for [[Muggles]]—and even [[witches]] and [[wizards]]—to spot.
=====Biography=====
The existence and nature of Bowtruckles are documented in the textbook //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]//, a required text for [[Hogwarts]] students.
In the 1995-1996 school year, fifth-year students studied Bowtruckles in a [[Care of Magical Creatures]] lesson taught by the substitute teacher, [[Professor Grubbly-Plank]]. She explained their diet, temperament, and defensive capabilities, warning the class that their fingers were sharp enough to gouge out a person's [[eyes]]. During the lesson, [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] successfully sketched a Bowtruckle by offering it [[woodlice]] as a distraction.
Decades earlier, in the 1920s, [[Magizoologist]] [[Newt Scamander]] was known to keep several Bowtruckles, including one named Pickett to whom he was particularly attached (Fantastic Beasts film series).
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
Bowtruckles are small creatures that are easily mistaken for part of a tree. Their primary features are:
  * A maximum height of eight inches.
  * A body composed of bark and twigs, which provides them with excellent natural [[camouflage]].
  * Two small, brown [[eyes]] set in a flat, bark-like face.
  * Long, sharp fingers, with two on each hand.
  * They appear to be flightless and move with a scurrying, insect-like motion.
In terms of personality, Bowtruckles are generally peaceful and reclusive. However, they are fiercely protective of their home tree. If a [[witch]] or [[wizard]] attempts to take wood from their tree without permission, the Bowtruckle will not hesitate to attack, attempting to scratch and gouge the aggressor with its sharp fingers.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
Bowtruckles possess several key abilities related to their nature as tree guardians:
  * **Natural [[Camouflage]]:** Their twig-and-bark-like appearance allows them to blend in perfectly with their native flora, making them extremely difficult to locate.
  * **Defensive Attacks:** While not inherently aggressive, their sharp fingers are formidable natural weapons used to defend their tree from any perceived threat, including those seeking [[wand]] wood.
  * **Lock-picking:** At least one Bowtruckle, [[Newt Scamander]]'s companion Pickett, demonstrated a remarkable talent for picking locks (Fantastic Beasts film series). It is unknown if this is a common ability for the species.
=====Possessions=====
As magical creatures, Bowtruckles are not known to own any possessions. Their entire existence is dedicated to their home tree, which serves as their shelter and source of food.
=====Relationships=====
  * **Home Tree:** Bowtruckles live in a symbiotic relationship with their tree. The creature guards the tree from harm, and in return, the tree provides a home and attracts the insects (such as [[woodlice]] and fairy eggs) that make up the Bowtruckle's diet. The trees they inhabit are often those whose wood is of high quality for [[wand]] making.
  * **[[Witches]] and [[Wizards]]:** Most [[witches]] and [[wizards]] who wish to harvest wood from a tree guarded by a Bowtruckle must offer a placating gift, such as [[woodlice]], to distract it. The relationship between [[Newt Scamander]] and his Bowtruckle, Pickett, demonstrates that a closer, more companionable bond is possible (Fantastic Beasts film series).
=====Etymology=====
The name "Bowtruckle" likely has two components:
  * **"Bow"** may be a reference to a tree bough, connecting the creature to its home.
  * **"Truckle"** is a verb meaning "to submit or behave obsequiously." This could refer to the way one must "truckle to" the creature with offerings to appease it.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
While Bowtruckles are mentioned in the original book series, their role and characterisation were significantly expanded in the //Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them// film series. In the films, the Bowtruckle named Pickett is a prominent companion to [[Newt Scamander]], displaying a distinct personality, attachment issues, and useful skills like lock-picking. This portrayal gives the species a much greater depth than their brief appearance in //[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]//.