The Mandiblard Family consists of three species, none of them very harmful though still capable of killing Pikmin. They can all, along with the Cloaking Burrow-nit deconstruct any bridges built, which can be avoided by simply attacking them. 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.
Sheargrubs come in two different colors: pink and purple, the purple variety being male. This type of Sheargrub can eat Pikmin, but is able only to eat one at a time; they have mandibles and will jump onto their prey and tear them apart. In Pikmin, when a Male Sheargrub has a Pikmin in its mouth, it is invincible from damage unless Captain Olimar accurately throws another Pikmin, as opposed to swarming. This has been fixed in Pikmin 2, allowing players to kill them by any method even if they have a Pikmin in their mandibles.
Female Sheargrubs
- Main article: Female Sheargrub.
Pink Sheargrubs are female. This variety does not possess mandibles, meaning that they lack any means of harming the Pikmin or Captains. They can be ignored in any situation, 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. They are male and resemble brown, winged Sheargrubs. They are slightly more aggressive than Male Sheargrubs, and take off and fly when their health descends to the yellow zone; up in the air, they regain health. When Shearwigs fly, throw Pikmin to kill them. Shearwigs are not as common as the two varities of Sheargrub, but can be found away from water as both Sheargrubs and -wigs are damaged by water. A place on land to find them is near the landing site of the Perplexing Pool.