Shuttlebug
Shuttlebugs are a small, passive fauna species. They commonly populate caves, but can also be found in some surface areas, such as the Crag Field, Crash Zone, and Dunes. They are also found in abundance in the Sparse Reef.
Appearance
The Shuttlebug has three long flippers at the back end, with three legs in front surrounding a large eye. The sides of each flipper are adorned with a pattern which gives a bright orange bioluminescent glow.
Behavior
Shuttlebugs will aimlessly swim around and will flee if approached by the player. Occasionally they will walk along the seafloor.
Data Bank Entry
A common scavenger at the base of the food chain.
- Mouth Parts: Small enough to be of little threat to most organisms, this creature is clearly adapted to feed on the waste products of the ecosystem around it.
- Three Mandibles: Used to orient themselves when drifting, and to filter through detritus on cave floors.
- Three Legs: High strength muscles can propel the lifeform great distances through the water, as well as ambulating them across the sea floor.
Assessment: Necessary waste recycler - Presence may indicate nearby cave systems
Gallery
Front view
Side profile
Size comparison to the player
Shot of a Shuttlebug in the dust
Animation concept art
"Alien Sea v1" Concept Art, featuring Shuttlebugs
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.
- There is an early design document containing details on multiple unused Shuttlebug behaviors that show they were initially intended to be an intelligent and interactable species.
- The Shuttlebug’s body plan is tri-radially symmetrical, a feature unique to the Shuttlebug on 4546B, and not seen on Earth since the Trilobozoans became extinct in the late Ediacaran period.
- The Shuttlebug was originally going to have an egg that could be found and hatched in alien containment. It was never made naturally obtainable for unknown reasons, but the model can be seen in the Primary Containment Facility’s egg room.
