Ampilus

are desert-dwelling enemies found in Lanayru Desert in . Like the Moldarach and Aracha, the Ampilus have a larval stage known as Ampilus Eggs.
==Characteristics==
Ampilus resemble a cross between a and an . If they spot Link, they will withdraw into their shells and roll at him with their electrically-charged shells. After a short time, they will cease rolling. If they roll into a wall or ledge, they will recoil and become dizzy. Link can then take advantage of this to slice their exposed bodies. Link can also defeat them by sneaking up behind them unnoticed and quickly attacking their bodies. Shield Bashing them while they are rolling will instantly stun them, opening up their defenses. However, if Link uses an Iron Shield, he will be shocked by their electrical charge. Ampilus will become tense and cease movement when they detect a Beetle, making it easy to kill them by dropping Bombs on them.
After they are defeated, they leave behind their spiral shells which Link can use as platforms to cross the Sinksand streams covering a majority of the Lanayru Desert. Ampilus that walk on sand will be replaced by another Ampilus shortly after the previous one's shell has disappeared. However, Ampilus that are on stable ground will not.
==Nomenclature==
, the Japanese name for , might be a compound of , a species widespread in Japan, and . Ampilus are intended to partially resemble mantis shrimp, albeit those of the genus.