Skitter Leaf

Skitter Leaf
Appears in	Pikmin 2
Scientific name	Rus pseudoarbicans
Family	Skitterling
Areas	Perplexing Pool
Caves	Citadel of Spiders, Hole of Heroes
Challenge Mode stages	None
2-Player Battle stages	None
Attacks	None

The Skitter Leaf is an enemy in Pikmin 2 that resembles a leaf. These creatures remain camouflaged on the ground until approached, at which time they attempt to flee with a cricket-like chirp. They are somewhat rare, usually located in very fertile places, such as near or in water or foliage. Oftentimes, they're not worth defeating and returning to the Onion/pod. This is because the leaf they leave upon death, while only requiring one Pikmin to carry, gives only one Pikmin seed/Poko; and because they cannot harm Pikmin.

There are rare occasions where one will duck right when it loses all its health, thus dying right when a captain approaches it.

The Skitter Leaf returns as an enemy in Pikmin 3. Unlike in Pikmin 2, the leaf on the Skitter Leaf appears to be more of a fall color than green.

Artwork of a Skitter Leaf.

Notes

Olimar's notes

“The skitter leaf is a relative of the pond skater that shed its wings and adapted to life on the ground. With no residual traits of its airborne past, the skitter leaf can neither fly nor skit across the surface of the water. The wings have since evolved into the leaflike structure on its back, which serves to hide the skitter leaf through mimicry. It appears quite effective, as few predators can see through this clever disguise.”

Louie's notes

“The superb amalgamation of juicy meat and leafy greens ensures that the skitter leaf will be the new spinach!”

Killing Strategy

Swarm it with Pikmin, or toss one directly onto its back; Purple Pikmin work especially well for the latter method. It has low vitality and can also be easily defeated by captains. Captains can be harmed by it, and it will shake any attacking Pikmin off when given the chance, which usually knocks off their flowers or buds. This enemy cannot be petrified when it hides on the ground, only when it is up and active.