Identify the frog-like ranged Sifter
Pollinator is a hostile Sifter that attacks from range on the Sift’s surface. The Pollinator record describes its projectile and tongue attacks. The family index distinguishes its frog-like shape from the crested Sentinel.
Follow the projectile from throat to ground
Pollinator has a visible preparation: its body puffs up and the glob comes from its throat. The projectile then becomes a separate object to follow. The Wiki behavior record gives a three-second delay before the burst and describes yellow goo left within the blast area.
For encounter reading, divide your attention between the next cast and the glob already in flight. The creature can finish its launch animation while that earlier projectile still matters. This is why identifying only the puffed-up pose is incomplete: the delayed burst is part of the same attack sequence.
A close approach brings the tongue into play
The creature does not use distance in the same way as every ranged enemy. Its record says it keeps a careful distance but does not retreat when approached, and its nearby response includes the tongue strike. Closing the gap changes which recorded attack to watch. The source points to the official gameplay trailer at 0:52 for the tongue strike.
Watch for the Sprout connection
Sprouts prioritize Pollinators when choosing an ally to buff. A Sprout retracts its tendrils, becomes still, and sends a beam toward the recipient, which flashes yellow. In a fight containing both creatures, trace that beam to determine whether the Pollinator is receiving support.
The two enemies have distinct jobs: Pollinator supplies the ranged glob and close tongue attack, while Sprout provides the active support beam and can enrage nearby Sifters on death. As a practical reading of those mechanics, identify the support connection before assuming a Pollinator is acting alone. A Harmonizer can also summon Pollinators among its allies, making the same creature relevant to a larger encounter.
Tell similar projectiles apart
| Creature | Launch cue | What to follow after launch |
|---|---|---|
| Pollinator | Body puffs up; glob leaves its mouth | Delayed burst and yellow goo |
| Sentinel | Head shakes from side to side | Darts turn once toward a hero, then travel straight |
| Hurler | Jumping shot | Blue goo that slows on impact |
| Roamroot | Turns while remaining in place | Small glob that damages on contact |
The old code name Groobler Sentinel belongs to Pollinator. The present-day Sentinel is the dart-firing relative in the table. Use the frog-like body and the glob-and-tongue combination to resolve an older caption, then follow the relevant enemy link for the rest of the group.