Cloverfield Parasite

For [link] contest.

Pretty much a cross between a water beetle and a grasshopper.

FUN FACTS

*More crustacean than insect, the Parasite (aka Chatterbug) is a deep-sea dweller that crawls along the sea floor scrounging for food (when it isn't attached to Clover). The most common occasion to see them on land is when Clover desides to come ashore, and the gravity of the "world above" pulls them off. They've been discovered to live 2 days without being in the water, but they can do a lot of damage in just 48 hours.

*The 3' tall x 7' long Parasites, relatives of sea lice, cling to Clover to feed on its blood, which they've taken a great liking to. They fall off only when their blood-thirst is quenched, an occasion that rarely happens.

*The longer back legs can push it through the water short distances, but on land, these amphibious crustaceans can jump very long distances.

*The antennae, which are peculiarly mounted on its back, can sense vibrations in the water and pick up scents in the air while on land.

*The Parasite's saliva contains an enzyme that attacks the nervous system to numb/paralyze the prey, but depending on the size of the prey (such as humans), the digestive system is also attacked, making the digestive organs of the prey swell and eventually burst. Since Clover is so large, this enzyme only numbs the skin to the point that Clover doesn't realize that the Parasites are on it.

*The eyes are very sensitive to bright light, but can see rather well at night/deep underwater.

*Its exoskeleton is harder than steel.

Cloverfield (C) Paramount Pictures