Lava Larva
Category: Scavengers & Parasites
Tab: Fauna
Attitude: Passive
Health: 100
Biome: Inactive Lava Zone, Inactive Lava Chamber, Inactive Lava Zone Corridor, Lava Lakes
Active During: Cathemeral (Day and Night)
Debug Spawn: lavalarva
The Lava Larva is a mid-sized, parasitic fauna species which resides within the Lava Zones.
Appearance
The Lava Larva has a dark violet body, which is slightly flattened on the top and underneath. It has a striped pattern on the back.
On the front, the Lava Larva has two short, bulbous antennae-like appendages pointing forward. It has a pair of useless eyes surrounded by an orange ring. A glowing, orange-colored pattern rims the creature's mouth and stretches all the way to the other end of its body.
While moving, the Lava Larva emits black particles from its back; these dissipate after a short time.
Behavior
Lava Larvae will swim around aimlessly and flee from potential threats while producing high-pitched chirping sounds. They will attach themselves to the Seamoth, Prawn Suit, and Cyclops, draining Energy and slowing the vehicle down. They will screech and flee when damaged.
Removal Methods
The more Lava Larvae there are attached, the faster energy will be drained. To remove Lava Larvae, the player can:
- Attack them with the Knife or Thermoblade.
- Freeze them with the Stasis Rifle.
- Blast them off using the Propulsion Cannon or Repulsion Cannon.
- Dock the Seamoth or Prawn Suit.
- Use the Prawn Suit Propulsion Cannon.
- Activate the Prawn Suit drill arm (repels them; they will not approach if the arm is active).
- Activate the Cyclops Shield Generator (repels them).
- Use the Seamoth Perimeter Defense System.
- Use a Grav Trap to drag them away from vehicles.
Lava Lizards will also eat the larvae off of the vehicle without causing any damage. If all of the vehicle's Power Cells are depleted, they will detach and swim away. Alternatively, one can just remove the active power cells, making the Lava Larva detach from the vehicle.
Lava Larvae attached to the Cyclops can present a great threat if significant numbers are allowed to build up as they will quickly drain the Power Cells. The location of attached Lava Larvae is displayed on the damage indicator, making removal easier.
Influence on Vehicles
| Number of Lava Larva | Time attached | Energy Lost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 33s | 1% |
| 2 | 18s | 1% |
| 3 | 12.5s | 1% |
| 4 | 9s | 1% |
| 5 | 6.5s | 1% |
| 6 | 3s | 1% |
| 7+ | 1s | 1% |
If the number of Lava Larvae should exceed six, vehicles will lose 1% of energy every second.
Data Bank Entry
A grub-like species which appears to lack sight and smell, but is able to sense and drain thermal and electrical energy in its immediate environment.
- Suction Cup: Capable of attaching to smooth surfaces and generating high pressure suction. Will release if it comes under sufficient strain.
- Torso: Thick scales protect from extreme temperatures. The lava larva lacks a traditional digestive system, instead it powers its internal processes directly from the energy it consumes.
- Behavior: Attracted to energy sources of all kinds. Draws energy from its prey to survive.
Assessment: Avoid when piloting vehicles - Remove to conserve batteries
Source: Scan Lava Larva
Gallery
Front view
Side profile
Dorsal view
Underside
Size comparison with the player
Lava Larva in the Inactive Lava Zone
A Lava Larva in the Lava Lakes
A Lava Larva attached to a Prawn Suit
Lava Larva attached to a Cyclops
Interior view of Lava Larva attached to a Cyclops
Lava Larva attaching animations
Lava Larva Concept art
Trivia
Despite being called a larva, the Lava Larva is not currently suggested to be the immature form of any known creature on Planet 4546B; presumably, this name is based purely on outward appearance.
