Shuttlebug

Shuttlebugs are small, passive life forms belonging to the fauna category.

Shuttlebugs commonly populate caves. They can also be found in the Crash Zone, Dunes and the Mountains.

Appearance
The Shuttlebug has three long flippers at the back end, and three legs around its front, surrounding a large eye.

The sides of each flipper are adorned with a pattern that gives a bright orange bioluminescent glow.

Behavior
When idle, Shuttlebugs will swim around and sometimes latch on to the ground or any other surface.

If latched on they will walk around until the player comes close to them.

Shuttlebugs will never attack the player, but they will make snapping sounds and turn towards the player when they approach.

Data Bank Entry

 * 1) Three legs: High strength muscles can propel the lifeform great distances through the water, as well as ambulating them across the sea floor.
 * 2) Three mandibles: Used to orient themselves when drifting, and to filter through detritus on cave floors. Their presence may indicate a nearby cave system.

Assessment: Essential recycler in the food chain

Trivia

 * In early development, they were also known as Shuttle Crawlers and Jumpers.
 * The Shuttlebug's name may be a reference to the projectile in the sport badminton, called a "shuttle", which the Shuttlebug somewhat resembles.