A small but stocky creature, the Scarab Crawler’s body is protected by a thick, reptilian skin, and a prominent shell. Large, but lightweight, this sturdy shell covers most of the body. The creature can lift this shell with its powerful tendons, appearing to double in size, resulting in one of the most dramatic threat displays on Pandora. In doing so, however, the creature reveals a soft, weak area along its flank.

Adult Na’vi use these shells to make tools and protective coverings, while younger Na’vi mimic the creature’s infamous aggressive stance as a game. One young Na’vi will act as the Scarab Crawler, curled up on the ground with their eyes closed. Their friends will dare each other to creep closer, seeing who can get closest before the young Na’vi notices them, and playfully imitates the Scarab Crawler’s threat display.

Primarily a scavenger, the Scarab Crawler travels in small packs. It has powerful jaws with prominent tusks, used to tear meat from carcasses. Once attracted to a dead creature, the pack will actively defend the area around it, using its deadly bite.

The female Scarab Crawler is oviparous and uses her great tusks to dig holes in the ground where she lays her eggs, an average of twenty-five eggs a season. She will then cover these eggs with vegetation to protect them from other predators. Once hatched, the Scarab Crawler relies on gorging and regurgitation to feed their young, nurturing them to adulthood.