Squidcada

Squidcadas, simply called cicadas in the game's files, are nonaggressive flying insectoid creatures that form small nests and colonies found in several locations throughout Rain World. They hunt for small prey to bring back to their nests, and are generally passive towards, though they can be both useful and dangerous to the player in certain situations. They prey upon, , and rarely dead baby. Squidcadas are hunted and eaten by, , and other predators.

Abilities & Behavior
Squidcadas are cuttlefish-like creatures that flutter across the regions they inhabit on four small wings. They may have a black or white body and are detailed in various shades of blue. They generally make nests in enclosed spaces, where they bring food they catch and return to after a hunt.

The primary prey of Squidcadas are, like the. For this reason, the player may often find themselves in contention with these creatures for food if pressed for time by the rain. They catch prey using their great mobility and aerial speed, before bringing them back to the nest where it is later consumed. While generally passive, these creatures are somewhat territorial and may attack if they steal their prey or intrude on their territory. Though unable to deal damage, they can grab and hold onto, dragging it down. They may also ram into Slugcat, knocking it off pipes or ledges.

If necessary, Squidcadas can be stunned or repelled by, , and other weapons, though they may be difficult to hit due to their erratic flight.

Squidcada varieties
These creatures are found in two varieties or 'sexes': black and white Squidcadas. The black variant is the ones most commonly encountered, as they often stray further from the nest in search of food and are more widely spread out. On the other hand, the white variant stays closer to their nest, and are larger and slower than their counterpart. Both otherwise follow similar behavior.

Reputation
At lower reputation levels or when intruding on their territory, they attempt to charge into the and knock them off of poles and platforms. At sufficiently high levels, Squidcadas ignore Slugcat completely. At very low reputation levels, Squidcadas avoid Slugcat when carrying a weapon. 'Brave' Squidcadas, consisting of 50% of the total Squidcada population, however, still attempt to ram the player at very low rep levels, even when armed.

Leech Fishing
Squidcadas occasionally attempt to 'fish' for by diving into the water until one latches on. This can sometimes result in multiple latching onto a Squidcada, causing it to drown.

Use in extended jumping
Although only usable as a food source by (providing three food pips), Squidcadas can be invaluable to, especially in high areas like the Sky Islands. If grabbed, the Squidcada’s constant attempt to fly away allows the player a greater jump both in height and distance, allowing one to reach normally difficult or impossible-to-reach locations. However, Squidcada grow exhausted with erratic movement and stop flying to rest. When this happens, needs to stand still for a short while to let the Squidcada wake back up. Black varieties tend to get worn out more frequently than white varieties, so if the player is crossing a dangerous gap with one, they may wish to select a white Squidcada. They do, however, take both hands to keep still, so other items cannot be carried at the same time.

Use in flying
If is starving, their weight decreases dramatically. When this is used in conjunction with a Squidcadas, large distances can be traveled very quickly. However, if a white Squidcadas is used rather than a black one, a backflip or pounce can be performed which allows to fly indefinitely, holding jump to ascend whenever they want. Touching any surface with or grabbing a pole ends this effect, forcing the player to set it up again.

As, starving is not required, as they are so light naturally that they can fly even without starvation.

Trivia

 * Despite holding onto a Squidcada requiring two hands, is still able to climb poles.
 * If is holding onto both a Squidcada and a pole, the Squidcada drags it up the pole. If the Squidcada is resting however,  is dragged slowly down the pole due to the weight.
 * While items usually cannot be carried in conjunction with a Squidcadas, if lands directly on a, they still grab it. Moreover, eating the  does not release the Squidcadas.
 * It is possible to bring multiple Squidcadas from one region to another, starting with a white one and then bringing multiple black ones. This results in a new Squidcadas 'colony' in that region.
 * The metal plate asset on the front of the Squidcadas is reused in-game on the upper bodies of.
 * that are being eaten by Squidcadas can be taken by throwing an item at the to knock it out of the mouth.