Bloodbug (Fallout 4)

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

Biology
The bloodbug appears to be a monstrously enlarged 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 similar manner as radroaches and bloatflies.

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, two pairs 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 bloodug'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 is 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 an almost sure-fire way of knowing there are bloodbugs nearby.

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 walls or the ceiling while indoors and unaware of an enemy's presence. This can result in a nasty surprise when the player 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
The most common variant of the bloodbug. Found in numerous locations throughout the Commonwealth, with encounters possible mere minutes after the Sole Survivor has left Vault 111.

Bloodbug hatchling
A younger, weaker variant of the adult bloodbug. Common in the area around Sanctuary Hills, the road between Concord and the Red Rocket truck stop early in-game, making it likely to be one of the first enemies the Sole Survivor comes across in their travels.

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 then other variants.

Glowing bloodbug
A rare variant of the bloodbug that has a green colorization and has been irradiated.

Infected bloodbug
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.

They possess more health than a normal adult bloodbug, and deal more damage per hit. Some have a green skin to them, but it does not glow.

Vampiric bloodbug
The vampiric bloodbug can be found in locations throughout the Commonwealth.

Legendary vampiric bloodbug
The legendary vampiric bloodbug can be found in locations throughout the Commonwealth.

Appearances
Bloodbugs appear in Fallout 4.

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