Moto Bug

Motobug, known as Motora (モトラ) in Japan, was a first generation Badnik created by Dr. Robotnik in the original Sonic the Hedgehog video game for the Sega Genesis in Green Hill Zone. Motobug was the first enemy Sonic encountered in that game, and thus the first enemy encountered in the entire Sonic the Hedgehog series.

This Badnik appears in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I and Episode Metal.

Sonic 4 Website info
The very first Badnik that Sonic ever encountered, this metal beetle returns to try and take down Sonic one last time. Watch out - he will turn around to chase Sonic if he misses.

Physical Appearance
The Motobug resembles more or less a robotic version of a ladybug. Its body armor is red and its face is painted dark blue. Its source of locomotion is reliant on the simple wheel mechanism located in its undercarriage. A small engine on the rear of the Badnik propels its wheel across the ground. Small pincers located below its head are its only source of defense. In certain games, its torso is decorated with black circles.

Attack Pattern
The Motobug is most likely the weakest Badnik created by Robotnik. It simply coasts along the ground in an attempt to hurt enemies with its pincers. Merely jumping on top of it will destroy it. In Sonic the Hedgehog 4, its arms look more scythe-like and it tries to chase Sonic, but apart from that, it still trundles around as usual.

Sonic the Hedgehog
The first appearance of the Motobug, they were relatively harmless and could only hurt you if you ran into them.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2
An upgraded version of the Motobug named New Motora (meaning New Motobug) appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Much like the first game, Motobug poses no real threat in Sonic the Hedgehog 4. The only way the player can sustain damage is by running right into them. They also follow the player, but move very slowly.

Sonic Colors
Motobug returns as a badnik in Sonic Colors. The Motobugs have been enhanced with extreme speed capabilities, rivaling Sonic himself. However, Sonic can still take them out pretty easily by Quick Stepping into them. The Motobug comes in two sizes in Sonic Colors, and if Sonic destroys a large Motobug, all the smaller ones are destroyed with it. In this game, Motobug was given more of a ladybug look.

Sonic Generations
Motobug also returns in the 2D/3D platform game Sonic Generations. This badnik appears in Green Hill, the remake of Green Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog. There is also a gigantic version in Green Hill Zone in one mission. It can't be destroyed, only stunned, along with another badnik that resembles a Buzz Bomber.

Sonic the Comic
Motobugs appeared frequently in early issues of Sonic the Comic as part of Doctor Robotnik's badnik army.

Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)
A specific purple and yellow Motobug made many appearances in the early issues of the comics. He was just one of Robotnik's many badnik henchmen. In issue 18 he worked as a messenger who would spy on the Freedom Fighters, then report back to Robotnik. In issue 40 Motobug was present with the other decommissioned badniks at Robo Hobo Jungle. He was later relocated with the others to Island of Misfit Badniks in issue 170, where he helped repair Pseudo Sonic, but was unfortunately crushed by Bivalve.

Other Motobugs made appearances in issues 185 and 187, working as butlers for Mammoth Mogul in Casino Night Zone. In the 2010 "Free Comic Book Day" Issue a monster in old Robotropolis has a Motobug face as part of his many badnik appendages.

In issue 226, Motobug returned as the first Badnik Sonic encountered. It was given a look similar to its game design rather than its comic design.

Sonic X Comic Series
In Archie Sonic X Issue 11, a destroyed Motobug makes a cameo on the cover, but does not appear in the actual story. Also in the wreckage are Crabmeat, EggRobo, Caterkiller, Decoe and Bocoe.

Trivia

 * In Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit), an enemy named New Motora is nearly identical to Motobug.
 * In Sonic Advance, there is a variation that is identical to Motobug.
 * Motobug appears in Sonic and the Black Knight in winning fan art.
 * In several of it's designs, the Moto Bug carries blades similar to the ones carried by the Slicer badnik, except they are permanently attached to the Moto Bug chassis.