 | This is a lore summary, presenting intradiegetic or in-universe information about the subject. For game characteristics and similar data, consult the table on the right. |
|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bloatflies are common mutant scavenger insects found throughout the Wasteland.
Background[]
An impressive example of the mutations caused by the Great War, the bloatfly is an evolution of the Tabanus genera of biting horse fly. Tentatively classified as part of the Tabanidae family in the order Diptera, class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, and kingdom Animalia, it is a major divergence from its evolutionary forebears. It is significantly larger and more tenacious, although its size inhibits its flight characteristics and agility, making it impossible to feed like pre-War horse flies did. Instead, it uses its engorged stinger and pupae gestating within its abdomen to incapacitate prey. The stinger is capable of launching mature larvae with a barbed sting at the end. These latch onto the target and deliver a neurotoxin capable of incapacitating larger prey, allowing the bloatfly and its larvae to feed. Its neurotoxin is ineffective against humans and larger targets, with localized necrosis being the only larger complication. As a result, the bloatfly is frequently prey, rather than predator, particularly among wastelanders who learned how to prepare its meat (or can stomach eating it raw).[1] Some are noted to explode upon death.[2] Bloatflies can resort to scavenging in situations where prey or other sources of food are scarce.[3]
Behavior[]
Bloatflies are a common sight in the wastes, exhibiting strong territorial instincts and an absence of any sense of self-preservations. They usually travel in packs of two to four and attack other living targets relentlessly, using their larvae to try and paralyze them from afar. They are easily dispatched with any kind of weapon, however.
Variants[]
Bloatflies are large, mutated blowflies that can be encountered all over the wastelands, fiercely guarding their territories from enemies.
Gallery[]
Concept art by Adam Adamowicz
Concept art by Adam Adamowicz
Dart propelled by bloatflies
References
- ↑ Enclave field terminals; Enclave Field Research Terminal, Field Entry: Bloatfly: "Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Tabanidae
Genus: Tabanus Linnaeus
Field observation suggests that the Bloatfly is a mutation of the Tabanus horse fly with provocative advances. These evolutionary forebears possessed neither the significant body mass, nor projectile sting of the Bloatfly. Dissection has revealed that this stinger is engorged with living pupae and neurotoxins. These projectiles are capable of incapacitating large prey on which the bloatfly and it's gestating young can freely feed. These neurotoxins are only nominally effective on humans, but can cause localized necrosis at the wound site. This observation is contrary to earlier assumptions that the Bloatfly was primarily a scavenger. The Bloatfly can be dispatched easily with light weapons, but nonetheless present a threat to field operatives, especially when encountered in numbers. They are hostile and can strike before the target is aware of its presence." - ↑ Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "One of the Wasteland's most disgusting creatures, the Bloatfly shoots its maggots as projectiles, and often explodes upon death."
- ↑ Cassidy Caravans wreckage