Nang hul, also referred to as thud bugs in Basic, were a type of living projectile crafted through bio-engineering by the Yuuzhan Vong. These creatures were deployed by Yuuzhan Vong warriors, who hurled them at their intended targets. Should a thud bug miss its mark, it possessed the ability to circle back to the warrior who launched it.
The thud bug presented as a beetle-like organism, characterized by sharp, serrated legs and wings. They stood out as one of the more frequently utilized "bug" weapons within the Yuuzhan Vong arsenal, alongside creations like blast bugs and razor bugs. The wings of this creature were remarkably strong, generating a prominent buzzing sound when active, and producing a distinct "thud" upon impact with a surface. A thud bug could achieve speeds exceeding 150 kilometers per hour, capable of causing an opponent to fall or suffer broken bones. Alternatively, thud bugs could be employed to daze or disorient individuals, rendering them more vulnerable to capture. These biots demonstrated an ability to track their targets, even navigating around obstacles. Skilled users could command a missed thud bug to return to their grasp. Thud bugs derived from sparkbees served as the foundational design for all similar "bug" weaponry.
A lightsaber was an effective means of eliminating thud bugs, though their robust exoskeletons typically resisted damage in standard combat situations. If a thud bug became embedded in the ground, it could extricate itself by utilizing its wings and legs. Deployment methods included direct throwing or launching via a thud bug launcher.
This particular biot was a primary choice as a ranged combat option for the Yuuzhan Vong warrior. In the aftermath of the Yuuzhan Vong War, they were officially prohibited, yet remained in use by figures within the criminal underworld, such as Jariah Syn. Records indicate their presence on Zonama Sekot, where they integrated with the local tampasi.
Circa 25 ABY, the Yuuzhan Vong warrior Yomin Carr engaged in battle against the Jedi Mara Jade Skywalker at the ExGal-4 listening post located on the planet Belkadan. During this encounter, Yomin Carr employed a variety of weapons against Mara Jade Skywalker, notably launching a dozen thud bugs at her, which she successfully deflected using her lightsaber. Yomin Carr met his demise during this confrontation.
Jariah Syn, a Human bounty hunter, utilized both thud bugs and razor bugs in his operations. His training in the use of these alien weapons came from Chonyo, a Yuuzhan Vong member of the Crimson Axe's crew. In 137 ABY, a conflict unfolded within Brogar's establishment on the planet Lok. During this event, Jariah Syn launched a thud bug at Hosk Trey'lis, a Bothan Jedi Knight who was on the run from the Sith. The impact of the thud bug rendered Hosk Trey'lis unconscious.