mgalekgolo [ 3 ] ( ophis congregatio, meaning serpent union ), more commonly known as hunters, are a unique gestalt of smaller creatures known as lekgolo, which are orange, worm - like creatures. lekgolo were known to group together and form a mgalekgolo for protection during combat, due to the form's increased strength at the cost of maneuverability. when grouped together, the intelligence of the mgalekgolo colony is increased with every additional lekgolo. mgalekgolo are the strongest and the most resilient species within the covenant's army. [ 5 ] a typical mgalekgolo usually stands between 3. 6 6 metres ( 1 2. 0 ft ) and 3. 9 6 metres ( 1 3. 0 ft ) tall, but crouches to between 2. 4 4 metres ( 8. 0 ft ) and 2. 5 9 metres ( 8. 5 ft ) when in its combat state to protect its unarmored stomach and neck. a mgalekgolo can become larger than even a standard covenant wraith. mgalekgolos fight primarily by using the heavy assault cannons integrated directly into their armor on one arm. on the other arm, they carry an enormous and nearly impervious two - part metal shield that is made from the same material that forms covenant warship hulls and weighs approximately two tons., in the style of zdzisław beksinski