| Armored Cannon Larva | |
|---|---|
| File:15armoredcannonbeetlelarva.png | |
| Appears in | N/A |
| Scientific name | Granitus chukkulinae |
| Family | Lithopod |
| Areas | Valley of Repose, Wistful Wild |
| Attacks | Launches boulders |
Armored Cannon Beetle Larva are enemies in Pikmin 2. They resemble large larvae with some of the similar Armored Cannon Beetle eyes and mouth. It acts the same as the Armored Cannon Beetle, but turns and spits at a faster rate and has much less health. They come in two types: one that walks around and one that burrows out of the ground; Armored Cannon Beetle Larvae will only appear in the Piklopedia if the version that does not burrow out of the ground has been seen. A related species called Decorated Cannon Beetles exists in larval form, but the adults are seen in neither game.
Like the adults they have a blowhole on the top of their head, but it is either non-functional or not as powerful, so Pikmin cannot become stuck in it like with the fully grown beetles. Because Cannon Beetle Larvae lack the thick exoskeletal armor characteristic of the adult beetles, these enemies are vulnerable all over their body, but can buck the Pikmin off when attacked. They can be manipulated into destroying other creatures by making them spit rocks at Olimar when he is beside an enemy. Moving out of the way before the rock hits him, the rock will hit the enemy that was behind him. The rocks that are shot out cannot be petrified.
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Killing Methods
Pikmin
If enough Pikmin are available, it should be swarmed, and it should die before it can harm any Pikmin. If there aren't enough to do this or there are other factors that make this strategy ineffective, Pikmin should be thrown onto it, preferably from behind. If the beetle bucks, the Pikmin should be called back as quickly as possible, and the steps repeated. Another strategy is to throw Purple Pikmin on it, stunning it. It is a more effective strategy, but if no purple pikmin are avaliable and/or if you don't want to risk them, use the first strategy.
Captains
It should be punched until it's about to buck, then the player should run away, and then return to finish the assault. If there are idle Pikmin nearby, the cannon beetle's focus should be kept away from them. If there are two or more larvae, it is possible to make them kill each other with their rocks.