Bloodbug (Fallout 4)

Bloodbugs are a species of mutated, ectoparasitic mosquitoes found in the Commonwealth in 2287.

Background
The bloodbug appears to be a monstrously enlarged mutated form of mosquito. Likely a byproduct of mutation caused by nuclear fallout, they have grown in size over the time period since the bombs fell in a manner similar to radroaches and bloatflies.

Biology
Bloodbug larvae appear to be roughly two feet in length from the head to the tip of the abdomen. Bloodbugs possess muddy brown coloration which allows them to camouflage effectively into the environment of the Commonwealth. Like their pre-War ancestors, bloodbugs possess six long double-jointed limbs, one pair of finely-veined wings, and a long, pointed proboscis that extends from between two compound eyes. This proboscis is the bloodbug's primary means of assault, sinking the proboscis into its prey not unlike a syringe, inflicting minor-to-intermediate radiation poisoning on the victim. This proboscis can be collected by the Sole Survivor upon the bloodbug's death.

Gameplay attributes
Bloodbugs latch onto their prey in an attempt to drink their blood. The insect then becomes engorged with the victim's blood, and can spit the contaminated blood back at its target for a large amount of radiation damage, which suggests that radiation is transmitted from the mutant to the victim. While the mutated mosquitoes can punch their proboscis through any kind of regular armor, it's not powerful enough to penetrate power armor. Should they find themselves faced with such heavily armored prey, their range of available attacks gets limited to largely ineffectual stings and their acid spit, should the target be far away or unreachable.

Bloodbugs are often encountered feeding on brahmins. Coming across the exsanguinated, grey-skinned husk of a dead brahmin whose body is covered in oversized stings is a significant indicator of knowing there are bloodbugs nearby. Bloodbugs near certain parts of the coast are occasionally seen feeding on the corpses of sea creatures.

Bloodbugs, like bloatflies and radscorpions, have a propensity for swarming tactics. Once they are alerted to their victim's presence, they will spread out, surround their prey and attack from multiple directions. This, coupled with their erratic evasive movement while under fire, their good camouflage and their slender silhouette, makes it difficult to keep track of and kill them all before at least some of them get into melee range. However, should the majority of the swarm be destroyed before it reaches its prey, the survivors will often retreat. Usually they regroup and attack again soon, but sometimes they will flee for good without returning.

Another habit bloodbugs share with bloatflies and especially radroaches is their clinging to trees and manmade structures as well as walls or the ceiling while indoors and unaware of an enemy's presence. This can result in a nasty surprise when the player character enters a seemingly empty room or subway station and suddenly finds themselves in the middle of an entire bloodbug swarm. Companions will usually notice the bugs and remark upon something not being right or enemies being nearby, although they won't open fire until the creatures make the first move. Their comments can still provide a valuable warning though.

Bloodbug hatchling
A younger variant of the adult bloodbug, their exoskeleton has not had time to harden to the extent of more mature blood bugs, thus they are paler and weaker. Common in the area around Sanctuary Hills, the road between Concord and the Red Rocket truck stop early in-game, although are still relatively common in other parts of the Commonwealth.

Bloodbug
The most common variant of the bloodbug; the typical mature form. They can be found in numerous locations throughout the Commonwealth.

Red widow bloodbug
A rare variant of the bloodbug that is found in the Glowing Sea and which may spawn at random in some other areas in the Commonwealth. They are of similar size to normal bloodbugs, but their bodies are tinted red. They are markedly more aggressive and much deadlier than other variants.

Infected bloodbug
They possess more health than a normal adult bloodbug, and deal more damage per hit. Some specimens also have green exoskeletons.

One can be found in the basement of the Greater Mass blood clinic. It is initially non-aggressive, and even killing the surrounding bloodbugs does not incite it to attack. This variation can also be found a lot in the Glowing Sea, where it is hostile like all other bloodbugs.

Glowing bloodbug
A rare variant inundated with radiation to such an extent it glows. It is stronger and more resilient than many of the bloodbug variants.

Vampiric bloodbug
The vampiric bloodbug can be found in various locations throughout the Commonwealth. It is the strongest variant of these creatures and is much deadlier than its counterparts.

Appearances
Bloodbugs appear in Fallout 4.

Behind the scenes
The bloodbug model was created by Jonah Lobe.