'''Squiggly Beasts''', more commonly known as '''Squigs''', are the simplest form of [[Orkoid]] life, ever-present amongst the tribes of the greenskins. For the most part, these creatures are lacking in intelligence, though their ferocity is impressive. There are many types of squig, each generally filling some functionary role in the Ork ecosystem, developing a strange symbiotic relationship with Orkoid racethe Orks: some squigs are used for skin or food, others kept as fearsome pets, and the largest of them can even be ridden into battle. Some Ork clans specialise in breeding ever-larger and more belligerent strains. The squigs feed on the refuse of the larger Orkoids (as well as local plants, animals, and each other). In their turn they serve as the [[Ork]]s' primary food source along with [[Orkoid Fungus]].{{Fn|32a}}

It has been theorised by the [[Genetor]]s of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] that squigs were created by the Orks’ forebears as part of a simple, mobile ecosystem that sustains the greenskin race as it travels from world to world, contributing to the success of this race in conquering large parts of the [[galaxyGalaxy]].{{Fn|32a}}

There are many types of squigs, but most can be generalized generalised into a single variety, such as edible, musical, hair, parasite-hunting, etc. Squigs naturally grow and breed within the cesspits of Ork settlements known as the Drops and subsisting subsist on Ork refuse. Gretchin and Snotlings are usually tasked with plucking them out for any use necessary. The task of tending the squigs usually also falls to [[Snotling]]s under supervision from [[Runtherd]]s. Most Squigs are edible, and some are specifically bred for this purpose.{{Fn|4}}{{Fn|5a}}

Many kins strains of these creatures also have medicinal uses and some are used exclusively by [[Painboy]]sz. Squigs that have natural properties Doks find useful are referred to as Medical Squigs. Some, such as Swab Squig and Syringe Squig are used while alive and others are killed, preserved and used to make medicines. Painboyz sometimes rear Squigs in cages and bottles, but more often they dig special latrines and cultivate the various creatures inside. These latrines are usually guarded by Grot Orderlies. Some smaller varieties are often kept inside jars or tanks. Many Painboys Painboyz go as far as raising their own strains of Squigs, often trying to create new types or adapt old ones for medical uses, taking great pride in their potency.{{Fn|6a}}

This breed features a large, gaping mouth, a bag-like body and a stomach that takes up most of itthat body. It This also functions secondary as a pouch that allows the Squig to survive by slowly digesting even the most unappetizing unappetising food inside. These creatures are used by Orks as bags or belt pouches when tanned out like leather or as flask for drinks when dried out.{{Fn|5c}}

This breed is of squig is frequently fired from [[Squig Launcha]]s and [[Heavy Squig Launcha]]s. These Squigs come in a variety of breeds and are capable of spraying, squirting, or vomiting harmful fluids. Typically launched by the handful, these creatures squeal and thrash while jetting acid, lubricants, poisons, and flammable fluids in every direction. The effects can sometimes be harmless, but other times can cause their victims to burst into flames, explode, or dissolve.{{Fn|35}}

This breed is of squig is frequently fired from [[Squig Launcha]]s and [[Heavy Squig Launcha]]s. These Squigs have sufficient jaws, claws, and stingers to savage the target and anything close by. Launched gnashing and snarling into the enemy, they latch onto the first thing they hit and do not stop chewing until they are killed.{{Fn|35}}

This breed is of squig is frequently fired from [[Squig Launcha]]s and [[Heavy Squig Launcha]]s. Boom Squig's Squigs are infamous for its defense their defence mechanism of violently exploding at the slightest provocation, typically due to direct physical contact or a loud noise (though sometimes even its own bouts of indigestion). They detonate with such force that they kill or maim anything unlucky enough to be in the vicinity. These creatures thus make the perfect living ammunition for Orks and are also sometimes used as landmines. They are also favored favoured by Orks as the tools of practical jokes, as nothing will amuse a [[Speed Freek]] more than hiding a Boom Squig under the seat of a [[Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy]] driver.{{Fn|35}}

Found by Gretchin among the fungus groves around the [[Drops]], Buzzer Squigs are mainly used by Orks as ammo for [[Squig Katapult]]s. Multiple Squigs are corked by Gretchin inside pots, made from sun-baked mud drilled with small holes to allow the Squigs to breathe, and placed at the bottom of the drops. After a few weeks the Squigs become even more savage, and when used as ammunition in a Squig Katapult the pots crack on impact with horrific results. In the wild Buzzer Squigs are known to feed by burrowing into larger Squigs or small animals such as rats.{{Fn|6g}}{{Fn|32b}}

Most Squigs breeds are edible, but some are more tasty than others. Eating squigs are only good for food. Orks usually prefer them cooked, but they can be eaten raw as well. Gretchin are quite adept in at cooking them and have a number of methods including kebabing, marinating in [[Orkoid Fungus|fungus]] wine, stuffed with fungus and herbs, roasted on a spit, deep fried with fungus chips, or griddled over a campfire.{{Fn|5b}}

Also known as a '''Gnasher Squig''' or ''Orkus ravenati'' to [[Imperial]] xenobiologists, {{Fn|17}} the '''Face-Eater''' breed is perhaps the most voracious and dangerous of all the varieties of Squig. These creatures have a massive, gaping mouth filled with needle-like teeth and as wide as their bodies are long, capable of swallowing a Snotling whole. The rest of a Face-Eater's body is just a muscular tail, often used to hang from the drops that make up the breed's primary habitat.

Some Runtherds breed these large, ferocious beasts to increase their wealth. This variety has a great crocodile-like mouth full of sharp fangs that are very similar to Ork [[Teef]]. They shed and replace those these in the same manner that Orks do and as such are a source of huge wealth for the owner. Flesheaters' teeth deteriorate in the same manner Ork ones do, but the creatures are extremely long-lived, although rarely breed in captivity, making them even more valuable. Most owners of these tend to be Nobs and Orks are known to start a great fights in order to capture or loot a Flesheater Squig.{{Fn|5l}}

This breed is very small so it can be put into an Ork's mouth and left there for up to several days. It cleans the OrksOrk' s mouth by rooting round the teeth and eating the food stuck in between them.

This variety is lively enough to be kept as pets or mascots. They are usually the size of a small dog, although far more vicious. They usually scurry behind their masters giving them a lot of amusement, especially when they snap at the ankles of other Orks. They are a mark of status and as such are usually owned by Nobs or Oddboyz.{{CME}}

This breed features a small body and head that consist mainly of tiny claws and mouth full of small , sharp teeth. The most prominent feature is the creature's long tuft of hair, often of bright colour. These Squigs are bred in great numbers to provide Orks (who are naturally hairless) with mops, mohawks and other hair imitations. Gretchin servants put Squigs on his bald head, where they latch on, digging in with their teeth and claws. Feeding on an Ork's skin , the Hairy Squig can live there indefinitely. Some Orks only put wear one huge Squig to make a huge tail, while hundreds are needed to make a whole head of hair. Their natural brightness may be further increased by coloringcolouring, so Orks can choose from a variety of colours and styles , which they often use to differentiate between [[Ork Clan|Clans]] and Tribes. Other uses include using their hair for sewing. Orks were have been known to banter attempt to barter these Squigs with humans, not understanding why their Hair Squigs are so small and pale. Inability to understand the value of the creatures serves as another proof of human stupidity to Orks.{{Fn|5m}}{{Fn|32c}}

Another important use for these creatures was invented by [[Painboy]]z. They simply apply them to the open wound, which it holds closed with its tiny, needle-like teeth. After twisting the tail off , he repeats the process until the wound is completely closed. Feeding on blood from the wound , Squigs live like this for years, keeping it clean and free from infection. By the time he dies and drops off , the wound has already healed, leaving only a row of tiny holes around the scar. These wounds are prized among Orks as a sigh of toughness and strength.{{Fn|5d}}

One particular variety of Hairy Squig is known as a '''Chin Squig'''. These creatures feature a long thin body with claws and hair all over it and, once put of attached to an Ork 's (or occassionally Grot's) chin serve as an equivalent of beard. They are also known to be a sign on of age and status among Orks.{{Fn|15}}{{Fn|44}}