scuttler

A scuttler is a broad term used to describe a variety of small, often arthropod-like creatures that exhibit a characteristic sideways or scurrying mode of locomotion. While not a formal biological classification, the term is commonly employed in speculative fiction, fantasy settings, and sometimes informally for certain real-world invertebrates. Scuttlers are typically depicted as possessing multiple legs, a hard exoskeleton, and an instinctual drive to move quickly and erratically, often seeking shelter or concealment. Their appearance can vary greatly, ranging from insectoid to crustacean-like, and they are frequently portrayed as scavengers or opportunistic feeders. In fictional contexts, scuttlers can serve as minor antagonists, environmental hazards, or even as a source of food or resources for other creatures. Their small size and rapid movement make them difficult to track and often lead to a sense of unease or danger when encountered in large numbers. The specific attributes of a scuttler are highly dependent on the fictional universe in which it appears.