Pikmin franchise strategy guide/Wildlife of Pikmin

Wildlife of Pikmin refers to the creatures which inhabit the Pikmin series of Nintendo GameCube video games. The creatures include enemies which attack, eat, kill, or otherwise harm Pikmin, creatures who do not interact with Pikmin, and other creatures who may benefit Pikmin. The creatures are listed in alphabetical order based on which fictional family to which they belong. The fictional groups themselves are developed in the stories of both games of the Pikmin series, and associated printed materials.

The names of the enemies were more or less codified in Pikmin 2, and they are listed alphabetically according to the naming conventions used in that game. Creatures which had their names changed between Pikmin and Pikmin 2 are alphabetized by their name, but in Pikmin 2, but the original name is also given.

Amphituber Family
These creatures, which resemble terrestrial frogs, are among the more dangerous enemies encountered in the Pikmin series. Rather than eating Pikmin, Amphitubers spring into the air and crush Pikmin. Amphitubers appear in both Pikmin games. Amphitubers are encountered in or near water.


 * Wogpole (Amphicaris frodendum ): Wogpoles are immature versions of Wollywogs, resembling tadpoles . They are harmless to Pikmin, and flee from attacks. They can be found in bodies of water near Wollywogs, and sometimes drop from the ceiling of caves in Pikmin 2. In Pikmin 2, according to Olimar's observation, they are considered Blue Pikmin's natural prey.


 * Wollywog (Amphicaris albino): The Wollywog is a common enemy found in both Pikmin games, although in Pikmin 2 they appear only in caves. Its cavernous habitat results in its grey color. . Due to primarily living in caves, Wollywogs have large red eyes to see better. The Wollywog appears to be a territorial creature and will jump into the air when Pikmin approach, attempting to squash and kill them. Wollywogs do not eat Pikmin.


 * Yellow Wollywog (Amphicaris frodendum ): The Yellow Wollywog is a stronger yellow variant of the Wollywog, compared to gray Wollywogs. It is taller than its counterpart, but attacks in the same manner . However, they jump further than Wollywogs, as according to Olimar, they sacrificed swimming ability for jumping ability.

Arachnorb Family
As a group, Arachnorbs resemble the Daddy long-legs, and seem to have no eyes, mouth, ears, or any distinguishing characteristics. Pikmin are unable to carry any part of their bodies, since they all explode into dust after being defeated. Arachnorbs drop pellets or ingested objects upon defeat. In Pikmin 2 it is shown that they are capable of making webs.


 * Beady Long Legs (Pseudoarachnia armoralis ): A golden, spider-like creature that first appeared in Pikmin, the Beady Long Legs is one of the more mysterious creatures in the Pikmin series. It kills Pikmin by stepping on them.


 * Man-at-legs (Pseudoarachnia navaronia): This creature consists of an Arachnorb and a boiler-like device in a symbiotic relationship, with the machine being a parasite. The two parts act independently of each other, as the Arachnorb operates the legs, and the boiler machine operates the laser-guided machine gun it uses to attack Pikmin with. Unlike other members of the Arachnorb family, its feet are too small to hurt Pikmin. The Man-at-Legs is only found in Pikmin 2. The name Man-At-Legs is a pun on Man-at-Arms, an archaic word for soldier.


 * Raging Long Legs (Pseudoarachnia furore): The Raging Long Legs is a black spider-like creature which first appeared in Pikmin 2. It is a larger version of the Beady Long Legs and is much more aggressive. Its circular feet are also much larger and thus more dangerous. Unlike the other kinds of Arachnorbs, and due to the immense weight, the Raging Long Legs' huge main body hangs low enough to make it possible to attack it with any kind of Pikmin. After being attacked and shaking off Pikmin, it goes into a rage, moving and stomping at a much quicker pace than its normal gait.

Blowhog Family
These exhibit a wide range of behaviors and attacks, and are found in many areas of both Pikmin games. Their main method of offense is to propel some sort of attack at their enemies from their trunk. Blowhogs do not eat Pikmin.

As they have the genus sus, this would mean they are related to pigs.


 * Fiery Blowhog (Sus draconus ): The Fiery Blowhog is found in many areas in both Pikmin games. It attacks by projecting fire from its snout, which is dangerous to all Pikmin save Red Pikmin, who are immune to fire. When attacked, it will buck its head, throwing Pikmin to its front so it can spray them with fire from its snout. It can also throw Pikmin into water to drown them.


 * Puffy Blowhog (Sus inflata ): The Puffy Blowhog floats above the ground, using internally generated hydrogen to inflate a flotation bladder and hover above the ground, much like a fish using its swim bladder to regulate its swimming depth. The Puffy Blowhog's attack method is to blow a strong gust of wind from its lungs at Pikmin, dispersing their numbers and sometimes damaging Pikmin. Puffy Blowhogs do not attack Pikmin unprovoked, and are found in both Pikmin games. Olimar states that they blow grass and leaves around to eat the insects underneath, and since Pikmin have plants on their heads, this may be why they blow them.


 * Watery Blowhog (Sus loogiens): The Watery Blowhog is a variation of the Fiery Blowhog, except instead of fire, it sprays a sticky, watery fluid from its snout in an attempt to choke Pikmin. Blue Pikmin are immune. This fluid is the same as the fluid sprayed by the Fiery Blowhog; however, certain genetic differences cause it to lack certain catalysts, and the fluid does not ignite. It is only found in Pikmin 2, and is usually found in areas in or around water.


 * Withering Blowhog (Sus decrepitia): The Withering Blowhog is a relative of the Puffy Blowhog, smaller and with a fiery red pattern. It floats in the air, using air pressure in its lungs to regulate its altitude, but the gust it blows out is weaker. Instead of merely blowing a gust of air, the Withering Blowhog adds a natural herbicide to its gusts, which severely weaken Pikmin that are caught in its blast . It appears only in Pikmin 2.

Breadbug Family
The Breadbug family contains several species, including proper Breadbugs, as well as the Dwarf Bulborbs. The Dwarf Bulborbs are Breadbugs who have developed carnivorous tendencies, and which use coloration to mimic the larger Bulborbs of the Grub-dog species. Due to the similar coloration and behaviors, Dwarf Bulborbs and the biologically separate Bulborbs they mimic often share the same territory and ally with each other.


 * Breadbug (Pansarus gluttoniae ): The Breadbug is the namesake member of the Breadbug family. Breadbugs live underground in holes, only leaving to forage for food, which they drag back to their holes to store . Breadbugs are not aggressive to other species, and few species are aggressive towards them, due to Breadbugs’ thick, hard hide which protects them from predators. When carrying food, they are so stubborn that they will hold firmly onto their prize as large numbers of Pikmin drag it to the Onion. Breadbugs even hold on as the Onion takes it in, resulting in bashing their heads on the bottom of the Onion, taking massive damage. Breadbugs can also be defeated by throwing Pikmin in great numbers, hitting the Breadbug directly in the back. This creature is found in both Pikmin games. The Breadbug can be lethal to Pikmin, though indirectly. If there aren't enough Pikmin holding on to the pellet, instead of the Pikmin dragging it to the onion, the Breadbug will drag them into its nest. The Pikmin are lost the moment they enter the nest . While the Breadbug can be found in the wild in the first Pikmin game, they are only found in underground caves in the second.


 * Dwarf Orange Bulborb (Pansarus pseudooculii orangium): The Dwarf Orange Bulborb is a Bulborb mimic. It is a smaller version of the Orange Bulborb. It contains the exact same coloration pattern. Dwarf Orange Bulborbs travel in groups and can not be found asleep in the daytime, unlike Orange Bulborbs, which are nocturnal and solitary in nature. Dwarf Orange Bulborbs are only found in Pikmin 2.


 * Dwarf Red Bulborb (Pansarus pseudooculii russus):
 * The Dwarf Red Bulborb, a type of Breadbug, is a Bulborb mimic. However, in the original Pikmin game, a Dwarf Red Bulborb, when attacked by a group of Pikmin, could call a Red Bulborb from the surrounding area for help to get rid of Pikmin. Unlike the Red Bulborb, Dwarf Red Bulborbs are diurnal. These creatures occasionally form groups and hunt for Pikmin and other smaller creatures to eat. In contrast to the Grub-Dogs, Dwarf Bulborbs in the Breadbug family are much more alert and will attack if they sense the presence of Pikmin. However, since their mouths are much smaller they are usually much less dangerous, at most devouring two Pikmin at a time, whereas Red Bulborbs of the Grub-Dog family can ingest many more. This species appears in both Pikmin games, although is more common in the first game. It is also the very first enemy encountered in both games.


 * Giant Breadbug (Pansarus gigantus): The Giant Breadbug is a normal Breadbug but is simply much larger, stealing things from Pikmin. Unlike its smaller cousin, who is shaped like a bread roll, this Breadbug is decidedly more cube-shaped, like a loaf of bread. It is much stronger than its cousin, and can drag objects of great mass. Due to this, many more Pikmin must cooperate in order to drag the Giant Breadbug back to the Ship. This creature is only found in Pikmin 2.


 * Snow Bulborb (Pansarus pseudooculii frosticus):
 * Appearing as a juvenile Hairy Bulborb, this species is actually of no relation to the Grub-dog; it is another mimic. Unlike the Hairy Bulborb, Snow Bulborbs are completely devoid of hair. Their entire bodies are colored white, with the exception of their mouths and noses, with light blue spots. Like their companion species, the Dwarf Red Bulborbs, Snow Bulborbs are also alert creatures that travel in groups or stay near a Hairy Bulborb. However, they have small mouths and therefore are not as dangerous as the true Bulborbs belonging to the Grub-Dog family. They appear only in Pikmin 2 and are some of the very first creatures encountered.

Bulborb (Grub-Dog) Family
Bulborbs are the most common and dangerous Pikmin enemies. They comprise many species and can be found in all areas of both Pikmin games, other than the Forest Navel from the first Pikmin. The methods needed to attack and defeat them are as varied as the environments they inhabit. It is often necessary to hand-select Pikmin squads to attack Bulborbs. The large size of Bulborbs and their ferocious nature necessitates careful planning when attacking. Most Bulborbs (except the Emperor Bulblax, Spotty Bulbear (In Pikmin 2) and Water Dumple) are nocturnal and as such can be found sleeping. Emperor Bulblax spend their time in the ground with their eyes open, watching actively for Pikmin, only ever emerging to devour their food. Spotty Bulbears can be found wandering set patrols and will actively hunt Pikmin groups, often trailed by Dwarf Spotty Bulbears. Water Dumples spend their time in damp areas and will actively chase and hunt down Pikmin that come near.


 * Bulborb Larva (Oculus bambini): Bulborb Larvae are only seen during encounters with the Empress Bulblax. These newborn Grub-Dogs emerge from the Empress Bulblax's abdomen and crawl their way towards food, namely, Pikmin. The only way the larvae attack is by biting at Pikmin. They are very dangerous in groups, in which they are normally found. Even one alone can be very dangerous to a Pikmin, as they can swallow a Pikmin as soon as they bite one.


 * Dwarf Bulbear (Oculus terribilis): The Dwarf Bulbear is the only Dwarf that is an actual member of the Grub Dog family. The Dwarf Bulbear appears in both Pikmin games. However, in the first game, it was simply a companion species to the Dwarf Red Bulborb. In the second game, however, the Dwarf Bulbear patrols areas with Spotty Bulbears, a behavior completely different from that of the first Pikmin game. When alone, it notices Pikmin faster than other Dwarf Bulborb species. If a Dwarf Bulbear is alone and sees a Spotty Bulbear on patrol, it will join the Bulbear and follow its food patrol route. It cannot regenerate health like a grown Bulbear. It will also pursue Pikmin carrying treasure single-mindedly even back to the onion or the ship. In Pikmin, the player can see Dwarf Bulbears rocking back and forth happily and moving their mouths, as if in song, although nothing can be heard. The Dwarf Bulbear could also do a flip if attacked by Olimar alone.


 * Emperor Bulblax (Oculus supremus): The Emperor Bulblax is the largest member of the Grub-Dog family, and is found buried in the ground. This camouflage hides the creature from the player. In Pikmin, an Emperor Bulblax guards the final ship part and is thus the game's final boss. However, in Pikmin 2, the Emperor Bulblax is much smaller, appearing several times.


 * Empress Bulblax (Oculus matriarcha): The Empress Bulblax looks like an ordinary Bulborb, but has a very inflated egg sac. Acting as a queen, she ceaselessly gives birth to Bulborb Larvae. As a defense mechanism, the Empress Bulblax rolls from side to side, using its massive girth to crush anything which may be beside it. The creature appears only in Pikmin 2. The reproductive system of Bulborbs is not known, and no information is easily inferred from the game.


 * Fiery Bulblax (Oculus vulcanus): The Fiery Bulblax is a strong Bulborb with a flammable waxy coating on its back. This makes it immediately deadly to all but red Pikmin. However, if the creature can be lured into the water, its fire will be extinguished, which is a prime time to attack. The creature appears only in Pikmin 2, and even then quite rarely.


 * Hairy Bulborb (Oculus kageyamii folliculus):
 * A variation of Grub-Dog, the Hairy Bulborb is completely white and its tail-end is covered with thick white hair. The hairy Bulborb is best suited for arctic and winter conditions and is well protected from the cold. The Hairy Bulborb is very high-strung and loses all of its soft, fuzzy hair within moments of being startled awake from its slumber. If left alone, the hair will regrow almost as quickly. Similar to the Red Bulborb, the Hairy Bulborb uses its large mandibles to gain advantage over its prey. It appears only in Pikmin 2.


 * Orange Bulborb (Oculus kageyamii orangium):
 * The Orange Bulborb is a nocturnal creature; the most dangerous of all Grub-Dogs. The Orange Bulborb is a light sleeper. (Notice its bloodshot eyes, making it look like it has a hangover.) Quick on its feet, it awakens and mounts a counterattack much faster than other Bulborb species. It will awaken if the player approaches it, making it harder to ambush. Like all other Grub-Dogs, the Orange Bulborb uses its large mouth for primary defense, and head to head engagement will often result in disaster for the attacking party. The most efficient way to defeat these Bulborbs is to throw Pikmin onto its backside in the brief window while it cannot counterattack. It appears only in Pikmin 2.


 * Red Bulborb (Oculus kageyamii russes):
 * The Red Bulborb, known as the Spotty Bulborb in the first Pikmin game, is the most common Bulborb in the Grub-Dog family and is also a highly nocturnal creature, preferring to sleep during the day. Red Bulborbs usually prey on smaller creatures, such as Pikmin, and have a large advantage over their tiny victims due to their large mouth. Red Bulborbs are capable of swallowing several Pikmin at once. The easiest way to defeat these creatures is to attack them from behind with a large group of Pikmin while they are sleeping. Fortunately, their reaction time is slow and it is possible to kill them before they have a chance to wake up and begin a counterattack. Also, cooperation between Bulborbs, even among members of the same species, is nonexistent. This allows much more leeway in planning a strategy to defeat them, no matter in how large a group they live. However, if one Bulborb cries in distress, others will come to attack Pikmin, although their interest seems to be more in feeding than in community protection.


 * This species appears in both games, and as one of the more recognizable creatures from the Pikmin series, it can be found outside of the Pikmin games. One can see a Red Bulborb in the shops in all versions of Nintendogs. It will be a trophy in Super Smash Bros Brawl.


 * Spotty Bulbear (Oculus terribilis spotticum): The Spotty Bulbear is the most aggressive of the Bulborb species. It, along with the Emperor Bulblax and the Water Dumple, is the only Grub Dog that is diurnal. In the original Pikmin game, they however, like the Red Bulborb, seemed nocturnal and had angry glowing eyes if provoked from their slumbers. It was later revealed in Pikmin 2 that these species were merely hibernating from the cold winter and are once again active for the hunt with their original blue eyes. They roam strict patrol routes in search of any viable prey, and quickly attack and consume them. They are closely followed by Dwarf Bulbears that they pick up along their route. Also, they are the only enemies in the Pikmin universe besides the Gatling Groink that do not truly die at 0 HP, and can regenerate health in Pikmin 2. However, if you kill it while it is petrified by an Ultra-Bitter Spray, it will not regenerate. It was significantly bigger in Pikmin 1, though this may have been due in part to the supposed hibernation.


 * Water Dumple (Ichthyosa felinis): The Water Dumple is a legless Grub-Dog and cousin of the Bulborb. It lives in water, although it can make short ventures onto land to attack and eat Pikmin. They have recently adapted to their aquatic environment. They are very voracious, and will continue to eat Pikmin rather than defend themselves from attack, although their rapid feeding often constitutes a formidable defense. They have comparably less health than other large Bulborbs.

Dweevil Family
Dweevils are spider-like creatures that protect themselves by picking up an item, usually a dead body or treasure, and carrying it on their back, mimicking the object. Except for the Volatile Dweevil and Titan Dweevil, they are typically non-violent, only ever shooting elements in defense. All species are only found in Pikmin 2. Dweevils can only be attacked when not carrying objects on their back. In order to attack and defeat non-Volatile Dweevils, the objects they are carrying must first be dislodged. If the proper type of Pikmin is not at hand, Dweevils can be attacked by the player-controlled captains.


 * Anode Dweevil (Mandarachnia volticula): The Anode Dweevil is a yellow species of Dweevil. Similar to the Fiery Dweevil in both behavior and attack, this insect will zap all Pikmin directly under it with a burst of electricity, which only yellow Pikmin can survive. However, when struck with electricity, afflicted Pikmin are killed instantly, making this species more dangerous than other elemental Dweevil species. Like all Dweevils, it can be attacked and defeated by the player-controlled captains.


 * Caustic Dweevil (Mandarachnia sulfurnid): The Caustic Dweevil is a blue Dweevil. Its primary means of defense is blasting out an acidic fluid. Only blue Pikmin can survive these attacks, making them well suited for attacking this particular species of Dweevil. Unlike the attacks of most other Dweevils, the Caustic Dweevil's acidic spray can always do damage to the player-controlled captains (although no health is lost), as there is no obtainable armor to defend against the element of water.


 * Fiery Dweevil (Mandarachnia napalmens): The Fiery Dweevil is a typical Dweevil, red in color. It will normally hide under objects. However, if provoked, it will release a ring of fire, which Red Pikmin are immune to. It can also be attacked by the player-controlled captains.


 * Munge Dweevil (Mandarachnia pungetis): Purple in coloration, the Munge Dweevil is a typical Dweevil in terms of attack and in use of mimicry. Because it releases toxic gases when attacked, only white Pikmin can survive its attacks.


 * Titan Dweevil (Mandarachnia gargantium): The Titan Dweevil is the largest Dweevil and the final boss in Pikmin 2. It carries four weapons with a different powers; water, electricity, fire and poison. This massive Dweevil will rise out of the ground and is completely covered by its treasures, which it uses to attack. The Titan Dweevil will change its color depending on what the next attack will be, making its course of attack quite predictable. Once all weapons have been removed by Pikmin, its vulnerable body will be revealed.


 * Volatile Dweevil (Mandarachnia explodus): One of the more hostile species of Dweevil, the Volatile Dweevil takes the mimicry of the Dweevils to extremes. This orange species carries a bomb rock on its back, which will activate as soon as this Dweevil is disturbed, and it will follow its aggressors incessantly until the bomb detonates. Although the Dweevil kills itself, any Pikmin caught in the blast will die, so stopping while being chased by these Dweevils is ill-advised. In 2-player battle, you can send these creatures in after your foe with a cherry. In certain dungeons, 1 and 2p, they will suddenly fall from the ceiling with little warning, exploding and often resulting in death of the captain or a large number of pikmin. It is best to do a once over with a captain of some dungeons, known to do this, as you can run away faster.

Flint Beetle Family
Flint beetles are rare creatures in both Pikmin games and contain only a few species. They are generally harmless to Pikmin, but are known to carry treasures in their stomachs and are generally distracting to Pikmin. They usually live underground and appear above ground when something comes near. Flint beetles do not produce any seeds or pokos. Killing them is difficult, but possible; it requires the Ultra-Bitter Spray and many Purple Pikmin.


 * Doodlebug (Pilli flatularum): The Doodlebug is an underground-dwelling Flint Beetle found only in Pikmin 2, and only in certain caves. The foul-smelling insect does not attack Pikmin, and usually runs away from them, but the insect's gaseous emissions (read: farts) are poisonous to Pikmin and will cause them to become poisoned and eventually die. When Pikmin are thrown on them, they drop ultra-bitter sprays.


 * Iridescent Flint Beetle (Pilli envelopens): The Iridescent Flint Beetle is present in Pikmin and Pikmin 2 as a source of nectar and pellets. Even though it never attacks Pikmin and seems incapable of attacking at all, Pikmin are attracted by the Iridescent Flint Beetle, possibly because of the treasures it holds, and they will run over to attack it if it passes by them. The Flint Beetle is not hurt by the Pikmin and seems not to notice. This can be dangerous, as the Pikmin will single-mindedly savage the Flint Beetle with no regard for their own safety, often falling into pools of water or fire geysers during their enraptured offensive. It appears in both Pikmin games. If Pikmin are thrown onto the Beetle, it will flip and drop treasures in an attempt to escape. It can drop pellets, nectar, and ultra-spicy sprays.


 * Iridescent Glint Beetle (Pilli auricum): The Iridescent Glint Beetle is a smaller, golden cousin of the Iridescent Flint Beetle. It moves much faster than the Flint beetle and, unlike its cousin, it is usually only seen in caves. Glint Beetles have often swallowed valuable treasures. If not, they will usually produce three drops of nectar and two drops of ultra-spicy spray.

Jellyfloat Family
The Jellyfloats are a group of species which resemble terrestrial jellyfish, and which possess unique means of attack. All Jellyfloats attack by sucking Pikmin into their bodily cavities. Because Jellyfloats are transparent, the devoured Pikmin can be seen being digested by the Jellyfloat, which is a very long process that can take many minutes. If the Jellyfloat is killed quickly enough, any Pikmin which have been sucked up can be saved. All Jellyfloat species appear only in Pikmin 2. Jellyfloats don't produce any seeds or divide any pokos.


 * Greater Spotted Jellyfloat (Cephalus vortexia): The Greater Spotted Jellyfloat has enough suction power to suck up six Pikmin at a time, one of the player-controlled captains, or pieces of treasure. It is attacked and defeated in the same way that the Lesser Spotted Jellyfloat is defeated. According to the Piklopedia, Greater Spotted Jellyfloats are in fact alien to the ecosystem, and are forcing the Lesser Spotted Jellyfloats from their habitat.


 * Lesser Spotted Jellyfloat (Cephalus dottalium): The Lesser Spotted Jellyfloat consumes Pikmin in the characteristic way Jellyfloats do, by sucking them into their stomach and digesting them alive. The Lesser Spotted Jellyfloat can only digest one Pikmin at a time. The creature can be defeated by throwing Pikmin on top of it, causing it to fall to the ground due to the combined weight of the Pikmin attacking it. Olimar speculates that they are being driven from their natural habitat by the Greater Spotted Jellyfloat.

Lithopod Family (Cannon Beetles)
Cannon Beetles are an insectoid form of life named for their distinctive method of attack, which involves the inhalation of air to expel boulders from their intestinal tracts. Cannon Beetles ingest these rocks as food, and obtain nourishment from the rocks by means of specialized bacteria which inhabit the beetles' intestines. If disturbed, it will spit the rocks back out in an attempt to fell its attacker. The Armored Cannon Beetle appears only in Pikmin, however, its larvae appear only in Pikmin 2.


 * Armored Cannon Beetle (Granitus chukkulinae): The Armored Cannon Beetle, Granitus chukkulinae, is a full grown Cannon Beetle found only in the first Pikmin game. Like all Cannon Beetles, it attacks by means of expelling boulders from its intestines. The Armored Cannon Beetle has a tough, layered, exoskeleton. In order to expel rocks, the Armored Cannon Beetle must first inhale a large quantity of air. When the beetle is inhaling the air, if an object such as a Pikmin clogs the air intake, then, needing air, the beetle will open its wings to obtain better ventilation and respiration. This will expose its vulnerable red backside, which Pikmin must attack in order to damage the creature.


 * The larval form of the Armored Cannon Beetle is only encountered in the second Pikmin game. Unlike its full-grown form, it does not have the armored exoskeleton and therefore can be attacked much more directly. However, it still expels boulders with the same deadly efficiency as its adult form. The larvae can also burrow underground and catch the player in a surprise attack.


 * Decorated Cannon Beetle (Granitus decorum): The Decorated Cannon Beetle is only encountered in the larval form, and even then only in the second Pikmin game. It can be attacked very directly as well, because as a Cannon Beetle larva, it lacks the heavy, plated exoskeleton of adult beetles. However, unlike other Cannon Beetles, the Decorated Cannon Beetle has a high-iron content diet according to the game, which gives it a brilliant red color and, unfortunately, gives its boulders a magnetic attribute. The boulders follow Captains due to the boulders having a strong magnetic field and the resultant attraction to captains' metal space suits. However, these boulders can also damage other enemies, including the beetles themselves, so it is possible to leave the Pikmin behind and simply use the boulders as a type of "guided missile" to clear an area.

Mandiblard Family
These bug-like creatures live in underground burrows, emerging when they sense the presence of food, namely, Pikmin. Members of the Mandiblard family also eat wooden bridges constructed by the Pikmin. All Mandiblards appear in both Pikmin games.


 * Female Sheargrub (Himeagea mandibulosa): Female Sheargrubs, unlike their male counterparts, do not eat Pikmin, but instead only consume wooden bridges built by Pikmin. They are relatively weak and defenseless compared to most other creatures.


 * Male Sheargrub (Himeagea mandibulosa): Like female Sheargrubs, male sheargrubs burrow in the ground and wait for prey to pass by, but unlike the female Sheargrubs they can attack and eat Pikmin.


 * Shearwig (Himeagea volaris): This species of Mandiblard can fly when attacked, but it is a species of which only the males are seen. They devour Pikmin like male Sheargrubs do. Female shearwigs do not undergo metamorphosis, and remain underground.

Mollusking Family
These creatures, which resemble water-dwelling slugs, appear near only in or near the water and devour multiple Pikmin at a time. One species appears only above ground, the other appears only in caves. Both of these creatures appear only in Pikmin 2.


 * Ranging Bloyster (Molluschid predatoria): The Ranging Bloyster is a large aquatic slug-like creature, which is attracted by flashing objects and then tries to consume them. If Pikmin are nearby, it will eat them as well. It is very difficult to attack a Ranging Bloyster's vulnerable gills, as it is capable of following the player-controlled captain at a fairly high rate of turning speed. The best way to defeat this creature is to frequently switch leading captains, confusing it. A good plan would be to have 1 captain stand befind a wooden gate and have the other run behind it to the gills. Then switch captian to the one behind it, confusing it for a few seconds. Then as it turns around switch back to the captain behind the gate.Oddly enough, even though it is a boss, it appears more than its non-boss counterpart, the Toady Bloyster.


 * Toady Bloyster (Molluschid minionicus): A smaller variation of the Ranging Bloyster, the Toady Bloyster can consume multiple Pikmin at a time but only if they get too close to its mouth. It's movement is slow, as its 'windup' time of attack. It can only be defeated by throwing Pikmin onto its gills which form a ball-like appendage on its back side.It also makes a bovine like sound.

Snavian Family
Snavians, or Snagrets, are snake-bird hybrids, with the head of a bird and a serpentine body. A Snagret's diet consists mainly of Pikmin. Snavians burrow underground and then emerge suddenly to surprise their prey. When defeated, the snakelike body of the Snagret explodes and all that remains is the head. They are invulnerable to electricity, water, and fire but can be poisoned by consuming white Pikmin. There are two main species of Snavians.


 * Burrowing Snagret (Shiropedes anacondii): The Burrowing Snagret is the more common member of the Snavian family and is easily recognized by its white head and blue, scaly body. Between Pikmin and Pikmin 2, it is the most common of the "boss" creatures who guard large treasures. In Pikmin, when Burrowing Snagrets are defeated they disappear completely, but usually leave many pellets of all colors behind, whereas in Pikmin 2, the creatures' head remains, which can be carried back by five Pikmin for a reward of fifteen Pikmin seeds or ten Pokos. In Pikmin, a Burrowing Snagret has eaten the ship's geiger counter and in Pikmin 2, the Burrowing Snagret that lurks in a cave named the White Flower Garden must be destroyed to retrieve a treasure named Five-man Napsack, which is actually a glove.


 * Pileated Snagret (Shiropedes ambulatria): The Pileated Snagret differs from the Burrowing Snagret in that it is slightly larger, has a red head with a greenish body, with one bird-like foot at the end, and the ability to walk (hop). It also has a slight crest on its head and yellow makings around its eyes, as well as a slightly hooked beak. The Pileated Snagret's poor eyesight is made up for with a thermal sensing organ in its nose, according to Pikmin 2. This creature is only found in caves. In Pikmin 2, as with the Burrowing Snagret, this Snavian leaves its head behind when it dies, which can be carried back by five Pikmin for a total of 15 Pokos. Only two are found in the game (and 1 in challenge mode).


 * Burrowing Snarrow: While never actually seen in the Pikmin games, several references are made to this creature which, supposedly, can be distinguished from the Burrowing Snagret by the absence or presence of tail and wing markings, and from the lack of the Burrowing Snagret's bluish hue.

Scarpanid Family
Scarpanids (better known as snitchbugs) are insects found in many areas of both Pikmin games, which simply interfere with the player and their Pikmin rather than harming either outright. They come in two varieties, The Swooping Snitchbug and The Bumbling Snitchbug, which exhibit different bahaviors, but similar objectives.


 * Bumbling Snitchbug (Scarpanica doofenia): The Bumbling Snitchbug looks almost exactly like its counterpart with the exception of a much larger head. Instead of going for Pikmin however, it will attack your leader, like Captain Olimar. If it manages to capture the player and throw him or her down, it will deliver a small amount of damage which can add up quick. It is found only in Pikmin 2. Olimar lists that any captain caught by one of these is considered an idiot. This means he called himself, or perhaps Louie, an idiot.


 * Swooping Snitchbug (Scarpanica kesperens): The Swooping Snitchbug is a legless insect with gangly arms and antennae that double as wings for flight. It is mentioned by Captain Olimar that they used to dwell on the ground and had vestigial wings. They are not that harmful to Pikmin (unless if a yellow Pikmin that it catches from the first game happens to hold an explosive bomb-rock), but interfere with the player. The goal of a Swooping Snitchbug is to find Pikmin, bring them in the air, and replant them back into their original leaf form. They can be dangerous because they can plant Pikmin in unreachable places (although the Pluckaphone in Pikmin 2 can help very much) or drop them down into bottomless pits. The Swooping Snitchbug is found in both Pikmin and Pikmin 2.

Other Species

 * Anode Beetle (Scarabum electrodea): Anode Beetles appear only in Pikmin 2. They generate electricity over time and send electric arcs between each other. The electrical discharge will instantly kill all except yellow Pikmin. However, two Anode Beetles are required to produce an arc, so one beetle on its own is harmless. For this reason, Anode beetles are always found in groups. The Beetles must be flipped over to be attacked. Nothing - not even the Waterwraith - can harm them unless they're flipped over.


 * Antenna Beetle (Mesmeri raiocontra): The Antenna Beetle does not harm Pikmin, but rather disorients them. In the Pikmin games, the player-controlled captain uses a whistle to summon and control Pikmin. The Antenna Beetle is also capable of generating the same frequency of the captains’ whistles, and when Pikmin hear it, they become more difficult to control. It appears only in Pikmin 2. When an Antenna Beetle is present, the treasure radar is disrupted by the frequency of the beetle's call and the needle madly swings around. It can only return to normal when the beetle is killed, which is difficult since there is only a few second window between emitting the sound and jumping off the screen.


 * Bulbmin (Paraciticus pikminicus): Bulbmin are a species of Pikmin which form a parasitic relationship with a Bulborb. The Bulborbs who are inhabited by the Bulbmin begin to exhibit strange behaviors, and follow around a “mother” Bulborb. If the mother Bulborb is killed, the Bulbmin can be whistled at and then follow the player-controlled captain as if any other kind of Pikmin. Bulbmin are immune to fire, water, poison and electricity. They appear only in caves in Pikmin 2 and can not be taken out of them. The only way to take them out of a cave is to throw into a Candypop Bud which will transform them into another color of Pikmin. They are useful as backup or reinforcement Pikmin. There are only three caves the Bulbmin appear in, and the infant Bulbmin (the ones you can control) only appear if the captain has less than 100 Pikmin when he arrives at the sublevel they thrive. Otherwise, just the mother bulbmin roams the cave.


 * Careening Dirigibug (Flotillum circusmaximus): The Careening Dirigibug is described in the Piklopedia as an alien creture, although how it managed to habit his planet is unknown. It floats in the air via six multicolored balloon-like air sacs. It produces bomb-rocks from its mouth and throws them at Pikmin. As with the Snitchbugs, if a purple Pikmin is thrown onto the Dirigibug, its balloons will pop temporarily and will be instantly brought down. Alternately, if enough Pikmin are thrown on it and attack it, its balloons will also pop temporarily.


 * Cloaking Burrow-Nit (Trilobitins reclusiva): This creature buries itself in the ground, emerging when Pikmin are near. When buried, its spotted hind end can be seen sticking out of the ground. It then spears them on its long, pointed nose and kills them, although the killing process takes a few seconds which is long enough to save that Pikmin. It appears only in Pikmin 2. These creatures are seen active above ground only when the player-controlled captain's ship takes off at the end of each game day, or to eat the Pikmin-built bridges.


 * Creeping Chrysanthemum (Taraxacum rovinia): This large creature, which is very similar in appearance to harmless sunflowers which appear frequently in the Pikmin’s habitat, will suddenly emerge from the ground when Pikmin are near and then eat them. It buries itself in the ground, but it can be distinguished from real flowers, because the real flowers consist up to six individual plants. The Creeping Chrysanthemum always consist of three, and the two outer flowers have blinking eyes in their center. It appears only in Pikmin 2.


 * Gatling Groink (Megaplod calibersi): A mysterious creature it resembles an orange two-legged fish with a metallic tail fin and a windshield on its front. Similarly to the Man-at-Legs, this creature has formed a symbiotic relationship with a machine, this time a boiler. Its primary method of attack is to fire explosive projectiles from its mortar-like mouth. These projectiles will kill Pikmin if they hit them directly but they can also cause Pikmin to lose their flowers and knock them around, scattering them if they are caught in the blast range. It is one of two creatures, the other being the Spotty Bulbear, that can regenerate health after being defeated. The creature is rare, appearing only in Pikmin 2.


 * Goolix (Binuclei siphonophorus): The Goolix is an extremely rare creature found only in the first Pikmin game. In addition to that, it is found only at The Impact Site on specific odd-numbered days starting at day 7. It appears as a large, amorphous, blue blob, resembling an extremely enlarged single-cell organism, much like an amoeba. It has two nuclei, a blue one and a white one. The blue nucleus is the only one that takes damage and the white acts as a sort of brain, following Olimar and his pikmin. Only blue Pikmin can attack it easily, because its body's liquid envelope will drown other Pikmin colors. While Pikmin was in development, the Goolix was located in the Forest Navel.


 * Hermit Crawmad (Camabarus rustica): The Hermit Crawmad lives in a small burrow it digs itself, springing out when it senses Pikmin. It then drags the Pikmin back into its hole, where it consumes them. The creature's back is vulnerable and only appears in Pikmin 2. They are easier to attack if they don't manage to grab a Pikmin before retreating to its burrow.


 * Honeywisp (Nektara fatuus): A creature that appears in both Pikmin games ('hə-nē-wisp). A peaceful organism, it floats in the air collecting nectar, which Pikmin use to grow. The nectar hangs down from the tail of the Honeywisp, and will fall to the ground if the creatures is struck by a Pikmin. The honeywisp appears suddenly and without warning, and disappears in the same manner. In Pikmin 2, a Honeywisp carries a Nectar Egg. Sometimes instead of nectar, the Egg might release Mitites or Sprays.


 * Mamuta / The Great Protector (God of All Pikmin): The Mamuta, which has no binomial nomenclature, is another oddity. It doesn't hurt Pikmin but strangely slams them with a spade-like hand into the ground, which automatically changes them into Flower Pikmin. They are very recognizable and appear in both games. They have a gray, stone-like body, with shoulders at different heights. There are only two eyes where a face would be expected, and no other visible features except for strange tattoo-like rings around its arms. According to the Nintendo Power Guidebook for Pikmin, Mamuta are also known as the 'God of Pikmin'. In Pikmin, the Mamuta only appears on an even set number of days in the Impact Site, opposite of the odd-numbered day appearances of the Goolix.


 * Mitite (Mitivius infiltratus): Mitites are a species of strange white bug that rises from the ground. They can also be found in eggs occasionally. According to the Piklopedia, these bugs give off a pheromone for mating, but it causes Pikmin to run all over the place with no regard for their own safety, as they find the smell unplesent. They always appear in groups of ten and can be attacked to produce nectar. Mitites can be killed when a Pikmin is tossed on them, but if a purple Pikmin is tossed, it will kill all Mitites within a short range of where it lands. Mitites do not harm Pikmin.


 * Pearly Clamclamp (Lapis regrettabilis): The Pearly Clam Clamp is a creature which appears only in the first Pikmin game. They resemble terrestrial clams. The contain pearls, which, when dislodged, produce 50 Pikmin seeds. If Pikmin are caught in the Clam Clamp’s shell when it closes, the Clam Clamp will digest them.


 * Puffstool (Aspergilla podronis): The Puffstool is a mushroom-like creature found in the Forest Navel (and certain other areas in multiplayer), in the first Pikmin game, which when attacked will flee. It can be tripped to expose its more vulnerable underside. However, it can release spores which make Pikmin grow mushrooms instead of flowers and/or leaves. These Mushroom Pikmin, known as Toadmin, will follow the Puffstool until normal Pikmin attack them, or until the Puffstool is killed. But if they're whistled at, or if Olimar comes near the Puffstool, they'll will attack Olimar. Toadmin need to get regular doses of the Puffstool's spore, or they will eventually revert back to normal Pikmin.


 * Ravenous Whiskerpillar (Lepidoptera pluckieus): These creatures eat berries Pikmin use to create nutritive items, and appear only in Pikmin 2. They do not attack Pikmin directly. If not defeated before returning underground, they return later that day when the flower has produced more berries. They are not killed by the Pikmin but are knocked senseless; this is evidenced by the creature squirming and making noise as they are carried back to an onion by Pikmin. For some reason, the Wiskerpillar does not move after being defeated until after picked up, but if set back down they will fall still as if knocked out again. According to Olimar's description of them, they are one of the few species naturally preyed upon by Pikmin.


 * Segmented Crawbster (Parastacoidea reptantia): A strange creature which appears only in Pikmin 2. It resembles a terrestrial lobster. It can use its larger claw to smash the buds and flowers off of pikmin, or roll itself into a ball and squash them, which usually triggers a shower of rocks from above if it hits a wall. Its only vulnerable spot is its glowing underbelly.


 * Skitter Leaf (Rus pseudoarbicans): A small species of insect which has an adaptation to look like a leaf and appears in the second Pikmin game, they do not appear to interact with Pikmin but can be defeated and dragged back to the Onion. They run away when someone comes close.


 * Smoky Progg / Piku-Lord (Lord of Pikmin): The oddest wild creature in the series, and it is very rare. It is only seen in the first Pikmin. The creature looks like a putrid frog; pieces of it seemingly slide off of it and collect in an acidic puddle that kill Pikmin who fall into it. The puddle disappears rapidly, however. When covered in Pikmin it will rear up and give a feeble haunting roar, which apparently causes any buried pikmin to pluck themselves, similar to the pluckaphone. If no pikmin are out, it will just approach the nearest onion and just sit there until you call out a pikmin. When finally killed it will collapse unto its rear and leave behind a small gold pearl that, when absorbed by the onion, sprouts 100 Pikmin. It is believed by Captain Olimar to be a malformed larval Mamuta. The Smoky Progg is only available to fight for the first 15 days of the first Pikmin game, and it is found only in the Distant Spring on an island, encased in an egg. Even approaching the egg can trigger its hatching, however, a large squad of Blue Pikmin can destroy the egg and the Smoky Progg inside, before it hatches.


 * Strange Bees : These creatures appear only in Pikmin 2, but are not in the Piklopedia. They act much like nectar grass, and Pikmin smash them with the plant part on their heads. Each Strange Bee either drops a nectar blob, drops a spray, poisons a non-white Pikmin, or does nothing. The chance of dropping sprays is fairly high. They only appear on days 31-39, 61-69, 91-99, etc. up to 300, in the Wistful Wild, near the Creeping Chrysanthemums and Withering Blowhogs. They have an apparent dislike for pikmin, as they swarm the pikmin until it is poisoned, extremely evident when only one pikmin is attacking.


 * Unmarked Spectralids (Fenestari prismatus): These creatures, which do not attack Pikmin but can release essence or nectar when killed, resemble colorful butterflies in both appearance and behavior. They appear only in Pikmin 2, and make a certain singing noise in large numbers. They fly around when disturbed, and then they fly out of the screen after about ten seconds.


 * Waterwraith (Amphibio sapiens): The Waterwraith is a mysterious, seemingly intelligent creature found at the bottom of a Submerged Castle in Pikmin 2. It follows Olimar as he proceeds through the "Submerged Castle", if they stay on a sub-level long enough. It can be easily noticed when it appears, even if it isn't in the immediate area. It arrives by falling from the ceiling, letting the rolling pin-like cylinders it travels on fall first. It lets out a haunting roar, and may roll around after Olimar. It has to be stunned with a purple Pikmin before any harm can be done to it. It takes on a transparent color when active, but when it is stunned it takes on a solid, purple color, most likely taking on the color of the purple Pikmin. The Waterwraith travels on two rolling cylinders, crushing any Pikmin or other creatures in its path. The rolling cylinders however can be broken by the purple Pikmin after the creature has been taken out during the first round, forcing the creature to run like a maniac as a result and leaving it open to any attacks. The creature is very mysterious and does not have a complete explanation, however it resembles some sort of ghost . The ship comments that it's true form may be anchored in another dimension. Continuing on the paranormal theme, Olimar writes that this creature appears when someone is feeling distress, like a hallucination, though the creature is very real. The Waterwraith is the most humanoid creature encountered in the Pikmin games so far (backed up by the species name of "Sapiens"). When it is defeated, Olimar obtains the Pluckaphone, which plucks buried pikmin when you whistle at them.