Lava Larva

The Lava Larva is a mid-sized, parasitic fauna species which resides within the Lava Zones.
==Appearance==
The Lava Larva has a dark violet body, which is slightly flattened on the top and underneath. It has a striped pattern on the back.
On the front, the Lava Larva has two short, bulbous antennae-like appendages pointing forward. It has a pair of useless eyes surrounded by an orange ring. A glowing, orange-colored pattern rims the creature's mouth and stretches all the way to the other end of its body.
While moving, the Lava Larva emits black particles from its back; these dissipate after a short time.
==Behavior==
Lava Larvae will swim around aimlessly and flee from potential threats while producing high-pitched chirping sounds. They will attach themselves to the Seamoth, Prawn Suit, and Cyclops, draining Energy and slowing the vehicle down. They will screech and flee when damaged.
The more Lava Larvae there are attached, the faster energy will be drained. To remove Lava Larvae, the player can attack them with the Knife or Thermoblade, freeze them with the Stasis Rifle, or blast them off the Propulsion or Repulsion Cannon. They can also be removed by the Prawn Suit Propulsion Cannon and are repelled by the drill arm, not approaching the prawn if the arm is active, they will not approach and attach to a Cyclops with an active Cyclops Shield Generator, and can also be scared off with the Seamoth Perimeter Defense System. A Grav Trap will also drag them away from vehicles. Lava Lizards will also eat the larvae off of the vehicle without causing any damage. If the vehicle's energy is turned off by removing all Power Cells, or the Power Cells are depleted, they will detach and swim away. Alternatively, one can just remove the active power cells, making the Lava Larva detach from the vehicle.
Lava Larvae attached to the Cyclops can present a great threat if significant numbers are allowed to build up as they will quickly drain the Power Cells. The location of attached Lava Larvae is displayed on the damage indicator, making removal easier.
===Influence on Vehicles===
Number of Lava Larva	Time attached	Energy Lost
1 	33s 	1%
2 	18s 	1%
3 	12.5s 	1%
4 	9s 	1%
5 	6.5s 	1%
6 	3s 	1%
7+ 	1s 	1%
*If the number of Lava Larvae should exceed six, vehicles will lose 1% of energy every second.
==Data Bank Entry==
A grub-like species which appears to lack sight and smell, but is able to sense and drain thermal and electrical energy in its immediate environment.
1. Suction Cup:
Capable of attaching to smooth surfaces and generating high-pressure suction. Will release if it comes under sufficient strain.
2. Torso:
Thick scales protect from extreme temperatures. The lava larva lacks a traditional digestive system, instead it powers its internal processes directly from the energy it consumes.
3. Behavior:
Attracted to energy sources of all kinds. Draws energy from its prey to survive.
Assessment: Avoid when piloting vehicles - Remove to conserve batteries
==Gallery==
<tabber>
Screenshots=
LavaLarvaB.jpg|Front view
LavaLarvaA.jpg|Side profile
LavaLarvaC.jpg|Dorsal view
LavaLarvaD.jpg|Underside
LavaLarvaE.jpg|Bioluminescence
LavaLarva7.jpg|Size comparison with the player
LarvaOnPrawn.jpg|A Lava Larva attached to a Prawn Suit
20160726182221 1.jpg|Lava Larva attached to a Cyclops
20160726183048 1.jpg|Interior view of Lava Larva attached to a Cyclops
|-|
Videos=
Lava larva attach anims 01|Lava Larva attaching animations
|-|
Concept Art=
lavalarvaconcept2.png|Lava Larva Concept art
</tabber>
==Trivia==
* Despite being called a larva, the Lava Larva is not currently suggested to be the immature form of any known creature on Planet 4546B; presumably, this name is based purely on outward appearance.
de:Lavalarve
es:Larva_de_lava
fr:Larve_de_lave
pl:Larwa_Wulkaniczna
ru:Лавовая_личинка
Category:Passive
Category:Bioluminescent
Category:Cathemeral
Category:Fauna
Category:Inactive Lava Zone
Category:Inactive Lava Zone Corridor
Category:Scavengers and Parasites
Category:Lava Lakes