Spider mine

The spider mine is a type of terran self-propelled, area-denial ordnance.

Technical details
The spider mine is equipped with motion sensors. Once a target enters the sensor's range the mine digs itself out of the ground and scurries to the target and detonates. Groups of mines can share sensor data making it difficult to traverse a spider mine field undetected. Terran infantry traditionally mistrusts the mine's IFF.

History
Spider mines were developed on Earth, and one of the few technologies to survive the Long Sleep. Mines were deployed during the Guild Wars. One of the most proficient users was Victor Kachinsky, who became a Kel-Morian war hero as a result. Equipping vultures with spider mines became more popular in the late 2490's, especially on border worlds.

The 52-QDMM spider mine was in service by the Second Great War. These mines have occasionally been seen engaging in scuffles with one another.

Culture
In 2499, Jaunt Pictures published the holomovie, Spider Mines IV: Death from Below, about sentient mines that turned against their creators. It was the last in the series.

StarCraft II
Spider mines are an ability for the vulture in the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty campaign for Raynor's Raiders.

Development
Spider mines were removed as of April 2009.

Trivia
Spider mines appear as enemies in the Blizzard legacy game Blackthorne.

Spider mines make a high-pitched squeaking when triggered. This, coupled with their burrowed nature, is reminiscent of the titular killer robots from Screamers.