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The '''Grub-dog family''' contains true Bulborbs as well as several other species in the ''[[Pikmin series]]''. The most widely recognized member of this family is the [[Red Bulborb]] (known as the Spotty Bulborb in the first game) . It was previously believed that [[Dwarf Bulborb]]s were immature Bulborbs, but it was later discovered that they are a species of their own and actually belong to the [[Breadbug (family)|Breadbug family]].
{{game icons|pikmin=y|pikmin2=y|pikmin3=y}}
The '''Grub-dog family''' contains true Bulborbs as well as several other species in the [[Pikmin series|''Pikmin'' games]]. The most well-known member of this family is the [[Red Bulborb]]. It was previously believed that [[Dwarf Bulborbs]] were immature Bulborbs, but it was later discovered that they are a species of their own and actually belong to the [[Breadbug family|Breadbug Family]].


The Grub-dogs' name comes from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larva grub], and dog, because Captain Olimar's dog, [[Bulbie]], resembles a Bulborb. Moreover, Bulborb is derived from Bulbie. However, a [[Hocotate|Hocotatian]] dog looks very different than an earth dog.
The Grub-dogs' name comes from [[Wikipedia:Larva|grub]], and dog, because [[Captain Olimar]]'s dog, [[Bulbie]], resembles a Bulborb. Moreover, Bulborb is derived from Bulbie. However, a [[Hocotate|Hocotatian]] dog looks very different than an earth dog.


==Red/Spotty Bulborb==
==Red Bulborb==
{{main|Red Bulborb}}
{{main|Red Bulborb}}
[[File:NPC Red Bulborb.jpg|left|143px|thumb|A Red Bulborb.]]
[[File:NPC Red Bulborb.jpg|left|143px|thumb|A Red Bulborb.]]
''Scientific Name: Oculus kageyamii russus''
''Scientific Name: Oculus kageyamii russus''


The Red Bulborb is probably the most famous enemy in all Pikmin games, and appears in most areas in both games. Its original name was ''Spotty Bulborb'', but it had its name changed when [[Olimar]] found other subspecies with spotted patterns.
The Red Bulborb is probably the most famous enemy in ''[[Pikmin (game)|Pikmin]]'' and ''[[Pikmin 2]]'', and is often just as much a staple for the games as the [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]] themselves. The Red Bulborb was originally known as the ''Spotty Bulborb'', but as other Bulborb variations were discovered, all with spots, it was renamed.


Red Bulborbs, like most Bulborbs, are largely nocturnal creatures and prefer to spend the daytime sleeping. They have a slow reaction time and can be overwhelmed by a large enough force. Caution should always be observed, as these gluttonous predators can swallow as many as five Pikmin at once. Attacking from behind will usually yield the best results, though the safest method is often just to toss heavy [[Purple Pikmin|Purple Pikmin on to its back]].  
Red Bulborbs, like most Bulborbs, are largely nocturnal creatures and prefer to spend the daytime sleeping. They have a slow reaction time and can be overwhelmed by a large enough force, but caution should always be observed, as these gluttonous predators can swallow as many as five Pikmin at once. Attacking from behind will usually yield the best results, though the safest method is often just to toss heavy [[Purple Pikmin]] onto its back.
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''Scientific Name: Oculus kageyamii folliculus''
''Scientific Name: Oculus kageyamii folliculus''


The Hairy Bulborb is a Grub-dog species seen only in [[Pikmin 2]], and hence its name, it has hair, unlike any other species in the Grub-dog family. It has a brown nose, feet and eyelids, is white nearly all over, and has light blue spots under the hair.
Hairy Bulborbs are enemies exclusive to ''Pikmin 2''. A Bulborb variant which shares many traits with the [[Red Bulborb]], Hairy Bulborbs are mostly white, with a brown nose and blue spots. The most notable characteristic of this particular subspecies is a plume of fluffy white hair on the creature's back, which insulates its body as an adaption to a colder habitat, and it falls off in battle.


The hair provides a small increase to defense, but the Purple Pikmin Rain strategy still remains very effective on this creature. There is a rumour going around saying that Hairy Bulborbs are a bit harder to wake up, but this rumour has yet to have been proven true or false, as Purple Pikmin are almost always used to slay it.
Hairy Bulborbs behave similarly to Red Bulborbs, but are slightly more aggressive and more resilient to attack. They can still be overpowered with a large army of Pikmin.
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==Orange Bulborb==
==Orange Bulborb==
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''Scientific Name: Oculus kageyamii orangium''
''Scientific Name: Oculus kageyamii orangium''


The Orange Bulborb is another enemy exclusive to ''[[Pikmin 2]]''. Its appearance closely resembles that of other Bulborbs, but this particular variant sports an orange rump with black spots and a black face. Its yellow, bloodshot eyes are an indicator of this dangerous creature's vicious temperament.
The Orange Bulborb is another enemy in ''Pikmin 2''. Its appearance closely resembles that of other Bulborbs, but this particular variant sports an orange rump with black spots and a black face. Its yellow, bloodshot eyes are an indicator of this dangerous creature's vicious temperament.


As with other Bulborbs, you will usually find this animal snoozing. It does not have any particular resistances or special attacks, and can't stuff any more Pikmin into its mouth than its relatives, but approach with caution: as you will see from experience, Orange Bulborbs are especially easy to wake from a nap, and can often be extremely difficult to defeat without losing any Pikmin, even when using traditional Bulborb-fighting tactics.
As with other Bulborbs, you will usually find this animal snoozing. It does not have any particular resistances or special attacks, and can't stuff any more Pikmin into its mouth than its relatives, but approach with caution: as you will see from experience, Orange Bulborbs are especially easy to wake from a nap, and can often be extremely difficult to defeat without losing any Pikmin, even when using traditional Bulborb-fighting tactics.


<div style="clear: both"> </div>
==Spotty Bulbear==
==Spotty Bulbear==
{{main|Spotty Bulbear}}
{{main|Spotty Bulbear}}
[[File:NPC Spotty Bulbear.jpg|left|180px|thumb|A Spotty Bulbear.]]
[[File:NPC Spotty Bulbear.jpg|left|180px|thumb|A Spotty Bulbear.]]
''Scientific Name: Oculus terribilis dotticum''


Spotty Bulbears are creatures in both Pikmin games which resemble Bulborbs in appearance, but are not identical. They are a bit shorter, with rounded snouts, large chapped lips, and a wide mouth which allows them to gobble up many more Pikmin. From a distance, they are easily distinguishable by their tan faces and black bodies with red spots. You will often see a Spotty Bulbear being followed by a group of [[Dwarf Bulbear]]s.
Spotty Bulbears are creatures in all three ''Pikmin'' games which resemble Bulborbs in appearance, but are not identical. They are a bit shorter, with rounded snouts, large chapped lips, and a wide mouth which allows them to gobble up many more Pikmin. From a distance, they are easily distinguishable by their tan faces and black bodies with red spots. You will often see a Spotty Bulbear being followed by a group of [[Dwarf Bulbear]]s.


These beasts slept most of the time in ''Pikmin'', but still posed a realistic threat, as they were a good deal tougher than Spotty (Red) Bulborbs. In ''Pikmin 2'', they are wide-awake during daytime hours, making them all the more dangerous. Instead of passively waiting for food to wander by, Bulbears will traverse set patrol routes while hunting, which can sometimes lead them in the direction of your camp. You should never leave Pikmin unattended in Bulbear territory unless you're familiar with its patrol path. Attacking a Bulbear can be especially difficult if it is being followed by Dwarf Bulbears, as they will quickly devour any Pikmin that fall to the ground. Mature Bulbears are also one of two enemies in ''Pikmin 2'' that can revive itself shortly after being felled, so make haste in disposing of the body.
These beasts slept most of the time in ''Pikmin'', but still posed a realistic threat, as they were a good deal tougher than Spotty (Red) Bulborbs. In ''Pikmin 2'', they are wide-awake during daytime hours, making them all the more dangerous. Instead of passively waiting for food to wander by, Bulbears will traverse set patrol routes while hunting, which can sometimes lead them in the direction of your camp. You should never leave Pikmin unattended in Bulbear territory unless you're familiar with its patrol path. Attacking a Bulbear can be especially difficult if it is being followed by Dwarf Bulbears, as they will quickly devour any Pikmin that fall to the ground. Mature Bulbears are also one of two enemies in ''Pikmin 2'' that can revive itself after shortly after being felled, so make haste in disposing of the body.
 
<div style="clear: both"> </div>


==Dwarf Bulbear==
==Dwarf Bulbear==
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''Scientific Name: Oculus terribilis''
''Scientific Name: Oculus terribilis''


Like the [[Spotty Bulbear]], the Dwarf Bulbear appears in both Pikmin games. They resemble miniature [[Spotty Bulbear]]s, but unlike Dwarf Bulborbs, are actually juvenile Bulbears. Bulbears in particular are known for hunting along set patrol routes in search for prey, but these immature grub-dogs do not yet have established routes, and thus rely on their parent to guide them towards food.
Like the [[Spotty Bulbear]], the Dwarf Bulbear appears in all three ''Pikmin'' games. They resemble miniature [[Spotty Bulbear]]s, but unlike Dwarf Bulborbs, are actually juvenile Bulbears. Bulbears in particular are known for hunting along set patrol routes in search for prey, but these immature grub-dogs do not yet have established routes, and thus rely on their parent to guide them towards food.
 
When by themselves, Dwarf Bulbears will behave just like Dwarf Bulborbs, hungrily sniffing at the ground while waiting for Pikmin to pass by, but they have a much higher reaction time than Dwarf Bulborbs and will not return to their original position after being disturbed. If an adult Bulbear happens to stroll by, these eager young creatures will bark and immediately fall into line behind the beast. Large numbers of Dwarf Bulbears can gather quickly in this way, so it's best to pick them off individually before they get the chance to clump. Sometimes the Bulbear is hidden, but you can tell it's there if the Dwarf Bulbear(s) are sniffing back and forth at a rapid pace and occasionally barking and walking forward a bit.


When by themselves, Dwarf Bulbears will behave just like Dwarf Bulborbs, hungrily sniffing at the ground while waiting for Pikmin to pass by, but they have a much higher reaction time than Dwarf Bulborbs and will not return to their original position after being disturbed. If an adult Bulbear happens to stroll by, these eager young creatures will bark and immediately fall into line behind the beast. Large numbers of Dwarf Bulbears can gather quickly in this way, so it is best to pick them off individually before they get the chance to clump. Sometimes the Bulbear is hidden, but you can tell it is there if the Dwarf Bulbear(s) are sniffing back and forth at a rapid pace and occasionally barking and walking forward a bit. This only happens in caverns.
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==Fiery Bulblax==
==Fiery Bulblax==
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''Scientific Name: Oculus vulcanus''
''Scientific Name: Oculus vulcanus''


The Fiery Bulblax is found only in Pikmin 2, and is a rather odd-looking creature. Its entire body has a melted appearance, and one of its eyes is smaller than the other, possibly an eye tic. This mean-looking creature's skin secretes chemicals which combust upon exposure to oxygen, setting its body aflame.
The Fiery Bulblax is found only in ''Pikmin 2'', and is a rather odd-looking creature. Its entire body has a melted appearance, and one of its eyes is smaller than the other, possibly an eye tic (this, along with its strange shape, may be a reference to another [[Nintendo]] character: "[[dkwiki:King K. Rool|King K. Rool]]" from the [[dkwiki:Donkey Kong (series)|''Donkey Kong'' series]]). This mean-looking creature's skin secretes chemicals which combust upon exposure to oxygen, setting its body aflame.


Only    
Only [[Red Pikmin]] can withstand the blaze this creature's body produces. However, if lured into water, the flames can be extinguished, making it a prime target for [[Blue Pikmin]]. [[Purple Pikmin]] can deal damage and potentially stun the Bulblax simply by being thrown, so they work well in any situation provided they're called back before they burn to death. Whichever strategy is used, use of a [[spray]] is advisable to avoid losing any Pikmin to this walking inferno. It's also possible to slay this beast with your [[Leader|captain]]s if you have the [[Scorch Guard]], especially useful on the second sublevel of the [[Cavern of Chaos]], where there are three of these creatures.
[[Red Pikmin]] can withstand the blaze this creature's body produces. However, if lured into water, the flames can be extinguished, making it a prime target for [[Blue Pikmin]]. [[Purple Pikmin]] can deal damage and potentially stun the Bulblax simply by being thrown, so they work well in any situation provided they're called back before they burn to death. Whichever strategy is used, use of a [[spray]] is advisable to avoid losing any Pikmin to this walking inferno. It's also possible to slay this beast with your captains if you have the [[Scorch Guard]], especially useful on the second sublevel of the [[Cavern of Chaos]], where there are three of these creatures.
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==Emperor Bulblax==
==Emperor Bulblax==
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''Scientific Name: Oculus supremus''
''Scientific Name: Oculus supremus''


The Emperor Bulblax is the final boss in ''Pikmin''. It lies dormant in its arena at [[The Final Trial]] stage where it has ingested [http://pikmin.wikia.com/wiki/Secret_Safe Secret safe]. Until you approach, it will be dormant. It will wake up and hobble after your Pikmin if bothered. This beast resembles a flabby yellow Bulborb with small red eyes and a large, moss-covered backside.
The Emperor Bulblax is the final boss in the first ''Pikmin'' game. It lies dormant in its arena at [[The Final Trial]] stage until you approach, where it will wake up and hobble after your Pikmin. This beast resembles a flabby yellow Bulborb with small red eyes and a large, moss-covered backside.


Its attacks include licking the ground with its tongue (with the intent to eat any Pikmin that happen to be there), licking its face (to get rid of offending Pikmin), and jumping high into the air to crush and shake off Pikmin. The safest strategy by far is to have yellow Pikmin grab nearby [[Bomb Rock]]s and have the Bulblax ingest them (without your Pikmin still holding onto them, of course). The more rocks in one gulp, the better. The explosion is enough to stun the grub-dog, presenting the perfect opportunity to attack its fleshy face. Repeat this and a win is assured.
Its attacks include licking the ground with its tongue (with the intent to eat any Pikmin that happen to be there), licking its face (to get rid of offending Pikmin), and jumping high into the air to crush and shake off Pikmin. The safest strategy by far is to have yellow Pikmin grab nearby [[bomb-rock]]s and have the Bulblax ingest them (without your Pikmin still holding onto them, of course). The more rocks in one gulp, the better. The explosion is enough to stun the grub-dog, presenting the perfect opportunity to attack its fleshy face. Repeat this and a win is assured.


The Emperor Bulblax appears again in ''Pikmin 2'', though this time is much smaller, much weaker, and much more common, appearing in multiple caves, sometimes twice in the same sublevel. Although it still possesses its signature rock-hard hide, it is significantly less mossy.
The Emperor Bulblax appears again in ''Pikmin 2'', though this time is much smaller, much weaker, and much more common, appearing in multiple caves, sometimes twice in the same sublevel. Although it still possesses its signature rock-hard hide, it is significantly less mossy.


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==Empress Bulblax==
==Empress Bulblax==
{{main|Empress Bulblax}}
{{main|Empress Bulblax}}
[[File:Empressblublax.jpg|left|188px|thumb|The Empress Bulblax]]
[[File:Empressblublax.jpg|left|188px|thumb|The Empress Bulblax.]]
''Scientific Name: Oculus matriarcha''
''Scientific Name: Oculus matriarcha''


The Empress Bulblax is a boss-class enemy in the ''Pikmin 2'' game. It resembles a cross between a Red Bulborb and a gargantuan termite queen. Its girth has its head and legs dangling in the air, and it appears to be unable to eat on its own as it never once takes a bite at your Pikmin.
The Empress Bulblax is a boss-class enemy in the ''Pikmin 2'' game. It resembles a cross between a Red Bulborb and a gargantuan termite queen. Its girth has its head and legs dangling in the air, and it appears to be unable to eat on its own, as it never once takes a bite at your Pikmin.
 
The Empress Bulblax seems to be vulnerable on all parts of its body, but attacking the head is easily the safest way to go about it. After a while, it will shake off any hostile Pikmin and roll left and right, crushing anything underneath and sometimes causing boulders to fall from the ceiling. It is one of the few bosses that can vary depending on where you encounter it, since later dungeons have the Empress continuously giving birth to ravenous [[Bulborb Larva]]e before and during the battle. The Bulblax can only be [[Ultra-bitter spray|petrified]] if you release the spray on the middle of the monster's elongated torso.


The Empress Bulblax seems to be vulnerable on all parts of its body, but attacking the head is easily the safest way to go about it. After a while, it will shake off any hostile Pikmin and roll left and right, crushing anything underneath and sometimes causing boulders to fall from the ceiling. It is one of the few bosses that can vary depending on where you encounter it, since later dungeons have the Empress continuously giving birth to ravenous [[Bulborb Larva]]e before and during the battle. The Bulblax can only be [[Ultra-bitter Spray|petrified]] if you release the spray on the middle of the monster's elongated torso. In the Frontier Cavern, the Bulborb Larvae can cause a threat.
<div style="clear: both"> </div>


==Bulborb Larva==
==Bulborb Larva==
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Bulborb Larvae are only seen in ''Pikmin 2''. These newly-born Bulborbs are without legs and do not yet have the unique color patterns that the adults display, but have white bodies with yellowish faces and what appear to be small pink tails.
Bulborb Larvae are only seen in ''Pikmin 2''. These newly-born Bulborbs are without legs and do not yet have the unique color patterns that the adults display, but have white bodies with yellowish faces and what appear to be small pink tails.


These tiny creatures have exceptionally low vitality, being able to be killed with a single hit, but it is not advised that you make an attempt at them with your Pikmin, as the larvae eat them with incredible speed. Captains are usually used to deal with swarms of them. The larva will make a bee-line for the closest of your units the minute they're born, so it would be wise to keep a captain near the Empress' rear to distract/defeat them. The little monsters are continuously born from [[Empress Bulblax]]es located on Sublevel 8 of the [[Frontier Cavern]], Sublevel 11 of the [[Hole of Heroes]], and Sublevel 4 of the [[Emperor's Realm]] in [[Challenge Mode]]. When battling an Empress Bulblax that gives birth, after reaching the face, her rolling attack will crush all larvae that will try to reach your Pikmin. Only a certain amount can be born, though it is a great sum to comprehend, and if you destroy enough of them, the Empress Bulblax may wake up and start giving birth again. They burst upon being defeated, meaning you cannot carry them back to the [[Research Pod]], but they will sometimes release [[nectar]] for your Pikmin.
These tiny creatures have exceptionally low vitality, being able to be killed with a single hit, but it is not advised that you make an attempt at them with your Pikmin, as the larvae eat them with incredible speed. Captains are usually used to deal with swarms of them. The little monsters are continuously born from  
 
[[Empress Bulblax]]es located on Sublevel 8 of the [[Frontier Cavern]], Sublevel 11 of the [[Hole of Heroes]], and Sublevel 4 of the [[Emperor's Realm]] in [[Challenge Mode]]. Only a certain amount can be born, though it is a great sum to comprehend, and if you destroy enough of them, the Empress Bulblax may wake up and start giving birth again. They burst upon being defeated, meaning you cannot carry them back to the [[Research Pod]], but they will sometimes release [[nectar]] for your Pikmin.
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==Water Dumple==
==Water Dumple==
{{main|Water Dumple}}
{{main|Water Dumple}}
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''Scientific Name: Ichthyosa felinis''
''Scientific Name: Ichthyosa felinis''


Water Dumples are enemies in both Pikmin games. They are part of the Grub-dog family, despite having different appearances for aquatic habitation, and also have similar eating habits. They are most commonly found in the water, but can survive on the land as well.
Water Dumples are enemies in both ''Pikmin'' games. They are part of the Grub-dog family, despite having different appearances for aquatic habitation, and also have similar eating habits. They are most commonly found in the water, but can survive on the land as well. They resemble blue shellfish with relatively large mouths.


Water Dumples are defeated somewhat easily as long as you take caution and swarm them. Just like Bulborbs, [[Purple Pikmin]] will work well if you can find this creature on land. This creature can also be easily defeated by captains, as it has low health, and the [[Rocket Fist]] will do impressive damage on its last punch.
Water Dumples are defeated somewhat easily as long as you take caution and swarm them. Just like Bulborbs, [[Purple Pikmin]] will work well if you can find this creature on land. This creature can also be easily defeated by captains, as it has low health, and the [[Rocket Fist]] will do impressive damage on its last punch.


==Whiptongue Bulborb==
<div style="clear: both"> </div>
''Scientific Name:''
 
[[File:Whiptongue_Bulborb.png|thumb|left|The Whiptongue Bulborb.]]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Whiptongue Bulborbs are a new species discovered in ''Pikmin 3.'' They feature the characteristic rounded body and bulbous stalk-eyes, as well as the simple color pattern (this one having a brown head, beige abdomen and brown spots), but they are different from their many terrestrial cousins in that they have a long, anteater-like snout instead of a large maw. The creatures snout houses it's whip-like tongue, hense its name.
 
It lashes out violently to ensare pikmin, then pulls them in and does a very brief animation of licking its chops and swallowing. The long tongue gives the creature a ranged-attacked, which could make it a difficult foe to defeat.


{{Enemies}}
{{Enemies}}
[[Category:Grub-dogs]]
[[Category:Grub-dogs| ]]
[[Category:Pikmin 1 enemies]]
[[Category:Pikmin 2 enemies]]
[[Category:Pikmin 3 Enemies]]
[[Category:Pikmin 1]]
[[Category:Pikmin 2]]
[[Category:Pikmin 3]]
[[Category:Hole of Beasts]]
[[Category:Frontier Cavern]]
[[Category:Bulblax Kingdom]]
[[Category:Shower Room]]
[[Category:Hole of Heroes]]
[[Category:Snagret Hole]]

Revision as of 12:50, July 31, 2013

The Grub-dog family contains true Bulborbs as well as several other species in the Pikmin games. The most well-known member of this family is the Red Bulborb. It was previously believed that Dwarf Bulborbs were immature Bulborbs, but it was later discovered that they are a species of their own and actually belong to the Breadbug Family.

The Grub-dogs' name comes from grub, and dog, because Captain Olimar's dog, Bulbie, resembles a Bulborb. Moreover, Bulborb is derived from Bulbie. However, a Hocotatian dog looks very different than an earth dog.

Red Bulborb

Main article: Red Bulborb.

Scientific Name: Oculus kageyamii russus

The Red Bulborb is probably the most famous enemy in Pikmin and Pikmin 2, and is often just as much a staple for the games as the Pikmin themselves. The Red Bulborb was originally known as the Spotty Bulborb, but as other Bulborb variations were discovered, all with spots, it was renamed.

Red Bulborbs, like most Bulborbs, are largely nocturnal creatures and prefer to spend the daytime sleeping. They have a slow reaction time and can be overwhelmed by a large enough force, but caution should always be observed, as these gluttonous predators can swallow as many as five Pikmin at once. Attacking from behind will usually yield the best results, though the safest method is often just to toss heavy Purple Pikmin onto its back.

Hairy Bulborb

Main article: Hairy Bulborb.
File:Hairybulborb.jpg
A Hairy Bulborb.

Scientific Name: Oculus kageyamii folliculus

Hairy Bulborbs are enemies exclusive to Pikmin 2. A Bulborb variant which shares many traits with the Red Bulborb, Hairy Bulborbs are mostly white, with a brown nose and blue spots. The most notable characteristic of this particular subspecies is a plume of fluffy white hair on the creature's back, which insulates its body as an adaption to a colder habitat, and it falls off in battle.

Hairy Bulborbs behave similarly to Red Bulborbs, but are slightly more aggressive and more resilient to attack. They can still be overpowered with a large army of Pikmin.

Orange Bulborb

Main article: Orange Bulborb.
Artwork of an Orange Bulborb.
An Orange Bulborb.

Scientific Name: Oculus kageyamii orangium

The Orange Bulborb is another enemy in Pikmin 2. Its appearance closely resembles that of other Bulborbs, but this particular variant sports an orange rump with black spots and a black face. Its yellow, bloodshot eyes are an indicator of this dangerous creature's vicious temperament.

As with other Bulborbs, you will usually find this animal snoozing. It does not have any particular resistances or special attacks, and can't stuff any more Pikmin into its mouth than its relatives, but approach with caution: as you will see from experience, Orange Bulborbs are especially easy to wake from a nap, and can often be extremely difficult to defeat without losing any Pikmin, even when using traditional Bulborb-fighting tactics.

Spotty Bulbear

Main article: Spotty Bulbear.
File:NPC Spotty Bulbear.jpg
A Spotty Bulbear.

Scientific Name: Oculus terribilis dotticum

Spotty Bulbears are creatures in all three Pikmin games which resemble Bulborbs in appearance, but are not identical. They are a bit shorter, with rounded snouts, large chapped lips, and a wide mouth which allows them to gobble up many more Pikmin. From a distance, they are easily distinguishable by their tan faces and black bodies with red spots. You will often see a Spotty Bulbear being followed by a group of Dwarf Bulbears.

These beasts slept most of the time in Pikmin, but still posed a realistic threat, as they were a good deal tougher than Spotty (Red) Bulborbs. In Pikmin 2, they are wide-awake during daytime hours, making them all the more dangerous. Instead of passively waiting for food to wander by, Bulbears will traverse set patrol routes while hunting, which can sometimes lead them in the direction of your camp. You should never leave Pikmin unattended in Bulbear territory unless you're familiar with its patrol path. Attacking a Bulbear can be especially difficult if it is being followed by Dwarf Bulbears, as they will quickly devour any Pikmin that fall to the ground. Mature Bulbears are also one of two enemies in Pikmin 2 that can revive itself after shortly after being felled, so make haste in disposing of the body.

Dwarf Bulbear

Main article: Dwarf Bulbear.
File:Dwarf Bulbearz.jpg
Younger forms of the Spotty Bulbear.

Scientific Name: Oculus terribilis

Like the Spotty Bulbear, the Dwarf Bulbear appears in all three Pikmin games. They resemble miniature Spotty Bulbears, but unlike Dwarf Bulborbs, are actually juvenile Bulbears. Bulbears in particular are known for hunting along set patrol routes in search for prey, but these immature grub-dogs do not yet have established routes, and thus rely on their parent to guide them towards food.

When by themselves, Dwarf Bulbears will behave just like Dwarf Bulborbs, hungrily sniffing at the ground while waiting for Pikmin to pass by, but they have a much higher reaction time than Dwarf Bulborbs and will not return to their original position after being disturbed. If an adult Bulbear happens to stroll by, these eager young creatures will bark and immediately fall into line behind the beast. Large numbers of Dwarf Bulbears can gather quickly in this way, so it's best to pick them off individually before they get the chance to clump. Sometimes the Bulbear is hidden, but you can tell it's there if the Dwarf Bulbear(s) are sniffing back and forth at a rapid pace and occasionally barking and walking forward a bit.

Fiery Bulblax

Main article: Fiery Bulblax.
Artwork of a Fiery Bulblax.
A Fiery Bulblax.

Scientific Name: Oculus vulcanus

The Fiery Bulblax is found only in Pikmin 2, and is a rather odd-looking creature. Its entire body has a melted appearance, and one of its eyes is smaller than the other, possibly an eye tic (this, along with its strange shape, may be a reference to another Nintendo character: "King K. Rool" from the Donkey Kong series). This mean-looking creature's skin secretes chemicals which combust upon exposure to oxygen, setting its body aflame.

Only Red Pikmin can withstand the blaze this creature's body produces. However, if lured into water, the flames can be extinguished, making it a prime target for Blue Pikmin. Purple Pikmin can deal damage and potentially stun the Bulblax simply by being thrown, so they work well in any situation provided they're called back before they burn to death. Whichever strategy is used, use of a spray is advisable to avoid losing any Pikmin to this walking inferno. It's also possible to slay this beast with your captains if you have the Scorch Guard, especially useful on the second sublevel of the Cavern of Chaos, where there are three of these creatures.

Emperor Bulblax

Main article: Emperor Bulblax.
File:Emperorbulblax.jpg
The Emperor Bulblax.

Scientific Name: Oculus supremus

The Emperor Bulblax is the final boss in the first Pikmin game. It lies dormant in its arena at The Final Trial stage until you approach, where it will wake up and hobble after your Pikmin. This beast resembles a flabby yellow Bulborb with small red eyes and a large, moss-covered backside.

Its attacks include licking the ground with its tongue (with the intent to eat any Pikmin that happen to be there), licking its face (to get rid of offending Pikmin), and jumping high into the air to crush and shake off Pikmin. The safest strategy by far is to have yellow Pikmin grab nearby bomb-rocks and have the Bulblax ingest them (without your Pikmin still holding onto them, of course). The more rocks in one gulp, the better. The explosion is enough to stun the grub-dog, presenting the perfect opportunity to attack its fleshy face. Repeat this and a win is assured.

The Emperor Bulblax appears again in Pikmin 2, though this time is much smaller, much weaker, and much more common, appearing in multiple caves, sometimes twice in the same sublevel. Although it still possesses its signature rock-hard hide, it is significantly less mossy.

Empress Bulblax

Main article: Empress Bulblax.
File:Empressblublax.jpg
The Empress Bulblax.

Scientific Name: Oculus matriarcha

The Empress Bulblax is a boss-class enemy in the Pikmin 2 game. It resembles a cross between a Red Bulborb and a gargantuan termite queen. Its girth has its head and legs dangling in the air, and it appears to be unable to eat on its own, as it never once takes a bite at your Pikmin.

The Empress Bulblax seems to be vulnerable on all parts of its body, but attacking the head is easily the safest way to go about it. After a while, it will shake off any hostile Pikmin and roll left and right, crushing anything underneath and sometimes causing boulders to fall from the ceiling. It is one of the few bosses that can vary depending on where you encounter it, since later dungeons have the Empress continuously giving birth to ravenous Bulborb Larvae before and during the battle. The Bulblax can only be petrified if you release the spray on the middle of the monster's elongated torso.

Bulborb Larva

Main article: Bulborb Larva.
File:Bulborblarva.jpg
The small but ravenous Bulborb Larva.

Scientific Name: Oculus bambinii

Bulborb Larvae are only seen in Pikmin 2. These newly-born Bulborbs are without legs and do not yet have the unique color patterns that the adults display, but have white bodies with yellowish faces and what appear to be small pink tails.

These tiny creatures have exceptionally low vitality, being able to be killed with a single hit, but it is not advised that you make an attempt at them with your Pikmin, as the larvae eat them with incredible speed. Captains are usually used to deal with swarms of them. The little monsters are continuously born from Empress Bulblaxes located on Sublevel 8 of the Frontier Cavern, Sublevel 11 of the Hole of Heroes, and Sublevel 4 of the Emperor's Realm in Challenge Mode. Only a certain amount can be born, though it is a great sum to comprehend, and if you destroy enough of them, the Empress Bulblax may wake up and start giving birth again. They burst upon being defeated, meaning you cannot carry them back to the Research Pod, but they will sometimes release nectar for your Pikmin.

Water Dumple

Main article: Water Dumple.
Artwork of a Water Dumple.
The water-dwelling Water Dumple.

Scientific Name: Ichthyosa felinis

Water Dumples are enemies in both Pikmin games. They are part of the Grub-dog family, despite having different appearances for aquatic habitation, and also have similar eating habits. They are most commonly found in the water, but can survive on the land as well. They resemble blue shellfish with relatively large mouths.

Water Dumples are defeated somewhat easily as long as you take caution and swarm them. Just like Bulborbs, Purple Pikmin will work well if you can find this creature on land. This creature can also be easily defeated by captains, as it has low health, and the Rocket Fist will do impressive damage on its last punch.