Coralheart Filterers are an insect-like species native to Sumati. They can be found in every biome on the planet except the ocean, and are most common in the Frozen Plains.
Overview[]
Coralheart Filterers are somewhat small creatures that inhabit the planet Sumati. They appear similar to ants, however they are massive in size, with their body being about the size of a full grown person; although they are close to the ground. Their most notable feature is two large appendages, similar to wings, forming the shape of a heart on their back.
Anatomy & Physiology[]
Much like many other species that inhabit Sumati, the Coralheart Filterer is seemingly an arthropod. It shares many features and characteristics with Earth insects, also like other local creatures. The largest difference between ants and the coralheart is their head, bearing no similarity to that of an ant. Their head is somewhat triangular, bearing twenty beady black eyes (ten on either side of the head). They also have several antennae protruding directly forwards from the "face", bearing about six antennae. Two small jaws appear underneath the eyes and antennae, assisting them in eating. It is likely they eat the local Cliffberries and grasses for food. It's possible they are omnivores, however not carnivores, as they are the only species inhabiting the Frozen Plains, which would make it impossible for them to eat strictly meat.
Their largest feature is what appears to be wings creating the shape of a heart on their back. These structures start at the head and go all the way to the back of the animal, fusing and extending further into a singular tail. The inside of the heart-shape is filled in by a thin, very transparent blue membrane, however it appears to have no direct function. Similarly, these structures take on the appearance of wings, yet the Coralheart Filterer is incapable of flight. Unlike known insects, the filterer bears twelve legs, with six on each side of the body. Their tail also appears to have no direct function. It is also unlikely they are cold-blooded, since much of their planet is cold or complete ice.
Behavior[]
The Coralheart Filterer is a mostly simple creature in terms of behavior. They can be seen in small packs of about three to four, however they don't stay in these packs and will wander around. They don't exhibit any advanced behaviors like eating or sleeping. Like many other small insect or bug creatures, they are skittish and afraid of people. If the player enters their line of sight or is close enough to them to be heard, the filterer with shift it's direction to focus attention on the player (Trilobites also exhibit this behavior). If the player approaches too close to them, they will back away or wander off before refocusing their attention towards you. If attacked, they will not defend themself, and will attempt to escape (if they survive, they only have 20 health) and others nearby will either run away or not react.
Combat[]
As mentioned, the coralheart filterer is incapable of defending themselves. Just about any weapon can kill them in one shot, however melee weapons will save ammo. The coralhearts drop Nutrient upon death, making them an option to hunt for food if needed.
Variants[]
The variant found on Andromas III is peaceful, yields Ornamental Material (tissue), and is found in the Craters and Frozen Mountains biomes.
Gallery[]
