The Mutalisk
The mutalisk has been little changed from its original form, the
roving mantis screamer of the desolate Dinares sector. In their
original forms these creatures were capable of atmospheric and
deep-space flight, although how they accomplished such a feat is
poorly understood. Apparently they were even capable of
migrating between stars, presumably while in some kind of larval
form.
Proof of this amazing interstellar capability can be observed
from the towering aeries of the mantis screamers that are a
common sight on lifeless worlds across several star systems.
Most such nests are empty and abandoned now that this highly
successful and adaptable species has been infested by the zerg
and evolved into mutalisks.
Mutalisks form the primary flying forces of the zerg, making
hit-and-run attacks against vulnerable installations and
wheeling across the skies in prodigious numbers above zerg nests
or land-based forces. Many attempted engagements with the zerg
have collapsed due to the rapid arrival of large numbers of
mutalisks before any meaningful air defense could be mustered.
Under these circumstances the total loss of the forces involved
is virtually guaranteed.
Conversely powerful air defenses have succeeded in keeping
mutalisks at a distance, for the creatures are limited in
vitality. However, they remain agile and dangerous opponents. A
mutalisk can attack foes both in the air and on the ground by
expelling a glave wurm: a voracious symbiote that can rapidly
strike at several opponents as it explosively disintegrates. In
large numbers or against weak defenses, mutalisks will always be
a deadly threat