Mandiblard family
The Mandiblard Family consists of two known species, both of which demonstrate a degree of sexual dimorphism not uncommon to insects. On a whole they have little vitality and are not especially dangerous, but like the Cloaking Burrow-nit, they are infamous for tearing apart nearby stick bridges which Pikmin have built. Due to their general inability to present any danger, these enemies are usually found in groups of 3 or more, and are always buried in the ground, appearing only when a Captain or Pikmin approaches close by.
Male Sheargrubs
- Main article: Male Sheargrub.
Male Sheargrubs have a dark purple shell and large mandibles. They are capable of attacking Olimar and the Pikmin, but are not a serious threat, as they can only eat one Pikmin at a time. In Pikmin 1, when a Male Sheargrub has a Pikmin in its mouth, it is invulnerable to most attacks and can only be defeated either after it has eaten the Pikmin, or if a Pikmin is thrown directly onto its back. This was fixed in Pikmin 2, allowing players to kill them by any method even if they have a Pikmin in their jaws.
Female Sheargrubs
- Main article: Female Sheargrub.
Female Sheargrubs are a much lighter color than the males and have significantly smaller mandibles, making them unable to cause direct harm to you or your Pikmin, though they are still a menace to bridges. They can be ignored in most situations, perhaps only useful as a means of easy-access Nectar, which they will produce if killed while petrified.
Shearwigs
- Main article: Shearwig.
Shearwigs are enemies in both Pikmin games. The females of this species are never seen, as they spend nearly their entire life underground. The males have a dark green shell, sporting simple wings and large, sickle-shaped mouthparts. They are slightly more aggressive than Male Sheargrubs and fly will fly to safety when their health descends to the yellow zone; up in the air, they regain health. If a Shearwig takes off, one well-aimed Pikmin will bring it down for good. Both Sheargrubs and Shearwigs will drown quickly in water, so luring them into a pool is an alternate strategy if you're short of Pikmin.