Sandworm


 * For the Badnik in Sonic 4, see Sandworm (Sonic 4)

Sandworms, (ナール, Nal in Japan) are badniks that appear in the Sandopolis Zone of Sonic & Knuckles, as well as the complete, lock-on game Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

These badniks are likely another iteration of the Caterkiller and Caterkiller Jr. badniks (Except Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2) that feature in Sonic 1 and Sonic 3 respectively. They are only ever found burrowing around in quicksand pools in both acts of the zone. When burrowing, the displaced sand can be seen above them, creating a sort of ripple effect, that shows roughly where they are. After a few seconds they will stop and jump out in an arcing trajectory to another point in the sand. Like previous generations of Caterkiller, the only weak point is its head, as the rest of it is covered in spikes that will harm the player if touched.

The player should be particularly wary when riding blocks atop rollers going over quicksand pools, because in the case of falling off, there are usually a pair of these in the sand below. They can be defeated whilst they are in the air but it is difficult to do so, especially when both jump out at the same time, and are probably best left alone.

Sonic & Knuckles/Sonic 3 & Knuckles
In this game, Sandworms will jump backwards and forwards in quicksand pools of Sandopolis Zone, its physical appearance is similar to Caterkiller.

Sonic Colors
The Sandworm returns in Sonic Colors, but with different behavior. They don't jump backwards and forwards unlike in Sonic & Knuckles, rather instead they will emerge from holes with blue lids and attempt to attack Sonic with a energy ball. They are found in Asteroid Coaster.

Sonic Generations
They return in Sonic Generations found at Planet Wisp, with the same behavior as in Sonic Colors.

Trivia

 * In Sonic 3D Blast, there was an unnamed badnik that appeared in the Green Grove Zone bearing a heavy resemblance to Sandworm. It would even attack like Sandworm. Though these badniks were purple, and would jump from hole to hole.