Beetle blades are small, metal creatures made by WICKED to observe the Gladers during the first phase of the Trials. They only exist in the book. They have a silver, cylindrical body about 3 inches in diameter and 10 inches in length, with 12 jointed legs running the length of their body. A bright, blinding red light is emitted through the beetle's eye, and the word "WICKED" is "smeared across the torso" as if it "had been written in blood." They were common in the Maze but also appeared in the WICKED headquarters. Beetle blades can also disclose any Glader's location to the Grievers.