Crawler



A Crawler is a small beetle-like parasite that serve as the Chimera's method of reproduction by spreading the Chimeran virus. These strain of creatures are capable of limited flight, but they are often deployed by Spire missiles, though they are kept in Conversion Centers and sent into holding pens where uninfected prisoners are kept. Upon locating their target, the Crawlers begin to penetrate the victim's body, usually through the mouth or the nose. Once this has been accomplished, they begin to inject the Chimeran virus throughout the body; after this process is completed, the Crawlers expire. After the Crawlers has managed to infect the host, who then abruptly falls into a coma, the virus begins the process of an inexorable conversion of the host into a Chimeran creature.

The Crawlers commonly attack in huge swarms to overrun the enemy. Added with their small size, this is a perfect infection strategy. If a Crawler fails to infect a host, it begins gorging on nearby dead bodies--human or Chimeran. After this, the Crawlers go through a metamorphic stage and encase themselves in cocoons. After an unknown period of time, the Crawlers mutate into Leapers and hatch from their pods. It is believed that the Crawlers came from the Tunguska event.

By the time of the Chimera's invasion of America, Crawlers were beginning to become phased out and replaced with Spinners. Apparently, the Crawlers are likewise evolving into deadlier strains such as The Swarm.

Trivia

 * Crawlers creates a sound similar to the Australian Cicada.
 * They look a lot like the Cicada as well.
 * The Swarm in Bryce Canyon is an advanced evolved form/strain of the Crawler.