Spiny Beetle

Spiny Beetles are a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series. They appear in different forms and places, and can sometimes be kind or hostile towards Link.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
This is the first appearance of the Spiny Beetle. They can be found at the entrance to the Desert of Mystery, the entrance to Death Mountain, and inside the Lost Woods. They cannot attack Link, and are more or less just an obstacle. Except for the one near Death Mountain, Spiny Beetles take the form of either a bush or a rock. When Link approaches the stealthy creature, it lifts its hiding spot and moves away from him. Link can attack it, or lift the bush or rock off its back, resulting in it running around in a frenzy, spewing Rupees until the Beetle itself is replaced by a Green or Red Rupee. The Spiny Beetle near the Death Mountain entrance is exactly the same, only it requires you to lift the giant green rock blocking the cave off its back.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
These Spiny Beetles are very similar to the ones from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. They too guise themselves as scenery, waiting for Link to get close enough to attack. The same method of defeat works for these creatures; a slash of the Sword, or lifting the object off. Although in this version, the Spiny Beetles hiding under rocks cannot be attacked with the sword. Instead, Link will need the Power Bracelet to lift the rock from this enemy and slash it afterward. For rock-carrying Beetles, it’s better simply to avoid them.