| Male Sheargrub | |
|---|---|
| File:Normal sheargrub-male.jpg | |
| Appears in | Pikmin, Pikmin 2, Pikmin 3 |
| Scientific name | Himeagea mandibulosa |
| Family | Mandiblard |
| Areas | The Forest of Hope, The Forest Navel, Awakening Wood |
| Caves | Hole of Beasts, White Flower Garden, Snagret Hole, Glutton's Kitchen, Hole of Heroes |
| Challenge Mode stages | The Final Trial |
| Mission Mode Collect Treasure! stages | None |
| Mission Mode Battle Enemies! stages | None |
| Side Story days | None |
| 2-Player Battle stages | None |
| Bingo Battle stages | None |
| Attacks | Eats Pikmin |
Male Sheargrubs can easily be distinguished from Female Sheargrubs by their dark purple color and large mandibles. Unlike the females, which are believed largely scavenge dead Pikmin, Male Sheargrubs are predatory and extremely aggressive, and will attack captains and Pikmin when the opportunity presents itself. Sheargrubs have lost both their legs and wings in an odd twist of evolution, and have adapted to life spent mostly underground. In Pikmin 1, they spawn in certain areas and will swarm your pikmin.
In Pikmin 1, these bugs are completely invulnerable while they're chomping down on a Pikmin except when a Pikmin is tossed directly on top of it. This was fixed in Pikmin 2, allowing players to kill them even if they have a Pikmin in their grasp. Sheargrubs, both male and female, will also deconstruct any nearby stick bridges, which makes defeating these pesky creatures soon after landing a top priority to avoid having to rebuild them.
The Male sheargrub will return in Pikmin 3 acting in the same way
These creatures are also related to the Shearwig.
Notes
Reel Notes
" Males of this species are purple and have an armored head."
Ship Log
Note that there is only one entry for both male and female.
"Today I've learned something new about these creatures' behavioral patterns. They are very vexing bugs - they chew apart the bridges that the Pikmin build! All the effort the Pikmin went to... I must watch for these pests."
Olimar's Notes
" This specimen is a male sheargrub. Having lost both legs and wings, the male burrows into the soil and waits to ambush small creatures that pass by. This beast's mandibles can be dangerous, making creatures such as Pikmin easy prey."
Louie's Notes
" Spread several specimens in the bottom of a casserole dish and layer with sliced avocado. Bake until the meat is choice and the cheese is lusciously browned."
Killing Strategies
Pikmin 1
The species is relatively weak compared to most other creatures, but if one happens to get a hold of a Pikmin, it is invincible to swarming until the Pikmin dies. If a single Pikmin is thrown onto the Sheargrub's back, it will die instantly, and the Pikmin will be saved. Attack with Olimar if possible, but be careful, as a bite deals massive damage. If there is water nearby, like in The Forest of Hope, lead them into the water. Since they cannot fly, and will keep following Olimar, they will drown.
Pikmin 2
The male Sheargrub's mysterious invincibility is no longer present here, making them incredibly easy to kill. Simply swarm with a group of Pikmin and they'll have no chance. Same as in Pikmin 1, if there is a body of water nearby, lead them in and drown them.
Pikmin 3
Swarming this small beast is effective if they have the same traits as they did in Pikmin 2. If not, the player leave their pikmin safe somewhere, and then kill it by drowning it or punching it to death.
Gallery
A high quality screenshot of a few Male Sheargrubs.
- 163.png
Two Male Sheargrubs.
Trivia
- Using an Action Replay to access a model test menu in Pikmin 1, the Male Sheargrub's code name is "kabejuiB".
- Their role as killers is shared with Bulborb Larva in Pikmin 2.
- The Japanese name for the Male sheargrub is "Unjiko♂" (ウジンコ♂)