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A headcrab is a fictional alien parasitoid found in the Half-Life and Half-Life 2 computer game series created by Valve Software. Headcrabs are also referred to as head-humpers by Barney Calhoun and parasitics by the Combine Overwatch. They are the most numerous and arguably iconic aliens in the series.
At present, there are three different headcrab variations (two of which were introduced in Half-Life 2), all possessing the ability to attach to humans and transhumans to form zombies.
Often referred to as a normal, original or classic headcrab to distinguish from the other two headcrab species, it is a small creature consisting of a small rounded body with four legs for movement (two stubby legs at the front, obscured by its claws, and two hind legs at the back; see pictured example to the left) and a pair of larger frontal claws for attacking prey or as additional support when standing still. Under the headcrab's body is a large rounded mouth surrounded by pointed flesh (which also includes the headcrab's stubby front legs) with sharp claw-like "beaks." As such, it is often assumed that the headcrab only walks with its large front claws and hind legs, while the stubby legs only form part of the headcrab's mouth.
Headcrabs also have a mottled tan-coloured skin and reddish legs (although this may simply be blood coloration). The headcrabs found in Half-Life are noticeably smaller than those in Half-Life 2 which have bodies approximately the size of a watermelon. A Valve site selling plush headcrabs describe 6 inches as being quarter-scale, implying that headcrabs are typically 2 feet in length.
Although small, slow-moving, relatively weak on its own, and even seemingly harmless with its tip-toe like gait, the headcrab has the ability to quickly leap long distances using its hind legs, while tilting upwards to face its mouth towards its target, inflicting minor injury with its claws, legs, and teeth. Its main goal, however, is to attach itself onto an appropriate host body.
Curiously, although Half-Life 2's headcrabs are capable of tolerating areas contaminated by toxic waste and radioactivity, they are unable to swim and survive in liquid substances (including water); these traits are reversed in Half-Life. The headcrab's resilience towards toxic and radioactivity materials appears to be passed on to the hosts they parasitize, as zombies are frequently found in conditions that would otherwise be hazardous to their hosts.
Headcrabs have been observed to be prey by bullsquids, Vortigaunts, and barnacles. Headcrabs are also hinted in Half-Life 2: Episode One to be consumed by humans, who comment that "they don't taste like crab".
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