Needler Egg

+| Feature | Details |+| :--- | :--- |+| **Image** | ![Needler Egg](Needler Egg.png) |+| **Scan Tool** | Bioscanner |+ +**Needler Eggs** are [[Needler Mango]] eggs found within the [[Needler Nest]]. They can be [[Scanner|scanned]].+ +## Databank Entry+ +**Source:** [[Scanner|Scan]] a [[Needler Egg]]+ +![Needler Egg](Needler Egg.png)+ +**Egg of the Needler Mango (Mango kestros). Hard oval sac with studded exterior.**+ +### 1. Nesting+ +Sharp studs snag onto rock debris, flora and other eggs. Clustering is intentional. Eggs are formed from soft collagen protein threads that harden on contact with mineralized seawater.+ +### 2. Territorial, not nurturing+ +Although needler mangos guard their nests, early indications of hyper-aggressive brood care are not substantiated here. The needler's life history is closer to classical r-selection, without any additional care after egglaying. The mango's territorial habitats, anchored to specific mineral deposits, only give the appearance of protective parental investment. Any enterprising scavenger in search of a free packed lunch will be quickly and painfully disabused.+ +### 3. Superprecocial+ +Pups are born fully developed with pre-loaded tusks, which they deploy when escaping from their chemically softened sac. Failure at this stage of development means death. Hatched pups receive no further investment from their parents, and must make their own way in the Protean ocean.+ +**Assessment:** vigilant and accurate identification of needler mango eggs can provide warning of their territories.+ +## Gallery+ +*Gallery currently needs screenshots.*