Squib
praemium pila lanugo
The Squib is a small desert dwelling creature native to (some planet). It is herbivorous, but has been known to supplement its diet by ingesting small mineral deposits to make up for deficiencies in the plants it typically eats. To this end, its teeth are particularly resilient and grow quickly to make up for the regular wear they incur.
Its body appears as a near perfect sphere due to its dense, straight fur. Its actual body is much like that of various members of the rodentia family. The fur seems to protect it from sudden falls and erratic tumbling that come from the desert's strong winds. It also makes the Squib a particularly unappetizing meal for most would-be predators.
The Squib is normally an infrequent spawner thanks to the difficult environ that it dwells in. Breeding occurs during the sporadic rains that fall on the desert and spurs the growth of local fauna. Those interested in keeping Squib as a pet are warned that they are asexual and exposure to even a modest amount of water can trigger a reproductive response.
The most notable instinct of the Squib, however, is its somewhat unique fight or flight response. As a creature that values the success of the community over the individual, the Squib has a surprisingly low desire to preserve its own life. This, combined with a natural explosive reaction derived from the minerals it consumes, can lead to a noisy, violent, and messy surprise for anything that a Squib views as a significant threat.