Tunnel Spiders

Classification: Type-6 Mutant Arachnid
Threat Class: Level 6 – Apex Ambusher
Threat Level: Extreme
Status: Active

Summary:
Native to the deeper Martian caverns, the Tunnel Spider is a highly aggressive, hyper-evolved arachnid capable of ambushing prey the size of livestock—or humans. Sightings became more frequent following recent Grav Well disruptions, suggesting the species thrives in unstable subterranean environments.

Unlike traditional web-builders, Tunnel Spiders favor burrow-based traps, laying silk-threaded ambush zones across high-traffic corridors. Their primary hunting tactic is rapid vertical strike-and-drag, utilizing powerful forelimbs and neurotoxic venom to paralyze victims before wrapping and storing them near the tunnel mouth.

Physical Description:

• Size: Approx. 4.5 meters in length (comparable to a small utility vehicle)

• Locomotion: Octopedal, fast and silent movement over stone and steel

• Exoskeleton: Glossy black, segmented, with reflective sheen and moderate ballistic resistance

• Eyes: Eight in total, but primary vision appears thermal-reactive

• Fangs: Curved, rust-colored, capable of piercing light armor

• Webbing: Dense, fibrous, and adhesive; used for trap construction and prey storage

• Behavior: Nocturnal, territorial, and highly reactive to vibration

Encounter Notes:
First officially logged during a failed livestock reclamation op outside Deepwell, where multiple carcasses were discovered cocooned and desanguinated near collapsed tunnels. Recent engagement by Devil’s Raiders confirmed its lethality. One operative was nearly taken before the creature was killed. Tunnel mouth later collapsed under seismic charge to prevent further incidents.

Recommended Response Protocol:

• Avoid known silk-threaded tunnel regions

• Do not engage alone

• Thermal optics and seismic detection advised

• High-yield explosives permitted in confirmed nests

• Immediate withdrawal recommended if multiple signatures detected