Crystalwalker

The crystalwalker replaced its it ancestor. It has is a very close symbiosis with the crystalwalker crystal. The crystalwalker's vital systems have fused to the consumer part of the crystals and they can almost be considered the same creature. The consumer part of the crystals connect with nerves in the lower part of the body, and influence the movements of the crystalwalker. The brain is in the center of the body, so both creatures have control over the body. The lower part of the body has no eyes, however the nerves connect with a row of darker crystals on the front. These can detect shapes and light, so it can see when defending itself. The lower body still has its mouth, but it can still use photosynthesis for extra nutrients. The crystals themselves aren't as large, but more organized. In between the larger crystals are a rougher area of very sharp tiny crystals. These ward off predators and herbivores that try to harm it from above. The crystalwalker is also larger to use weight to avoid being flipped over. The crystalwalker feeds on dead and rotting materials, waiting in certain spots for this to happen. When waiting, they sift through soil and sand for detritus, simply sitting and photosynthesizing, or both. The crystalwalker lays spore coated eggs to reproduce. When the hatchling hatches, the splitting shell causes the spores to spill onto the offspring. The larval stage resembles it's scuttlecrab ancestor's, but is quick. The crystal flora start growing and fusing to the hatchling as soon as it hatches. The ability to not have to wait for contact from another is why they replaced their ancestor. This allows them to defend themselves earlier, as well as reproduce more efficiently.