Ampilus

The Ampilus are desert-dwelling enemies in Skyward Sword.

Characteristics and Weaknesses
They resemble a cross between a squilla and an ammonite. If they spot Link, they will withdraw into their shells and roll at him with their electrically-charged shells. After a short time, they will cease rolling. If they roll into a wall or ledge, they will recoil and become dizzy. Link can then take advantage of this to slice their exposed bodies. Link can also defeat them by sneaking up behind them unoticed and quickly attacking their bodies.

After they are defeated, they leave behind their spiral shells which Link can use as platforms to cross the quicksand streams covering a majority of the Lanayru Desert. After a short period of time, they fade and a new Ampilus spawns.

Ampilus Egg
When under effect of a Timeshift Stone, Ampiluses revert to their larval stage, known as an Ampilus Egg. In this state, Ampilus Eggs periodically give off electricity and can be carried by the Hook Beetle or moved by stabbing with the sword, proving necessary to generate electricity for the remote power nodes inside Lanayru Desert.