The skitterling family is a group of creatures in the Pikmin series, of which two species have been cataloged so far. Most of the skitterling family resemble leaves, and are motionless until a leader or a group of Pikmin comes by.
Members
Desiccated Skitter Leaf
- Main article: Desiccated Skitter Leaf.
Scientific name: Rus mortifeuillea
Desiccated Skitter Leaves, introduced in Pikmin 3, are the more hostile members of the skitterling family. They actually have a means of killing Pikmin by grabbing them and eating them swiftly. They resemble withered and dead leaves rather than the healthy ones Skitter Leaves imitate. The edges of the leaves are serrated and sharp, unlike its green relative.
Skitter Leaf
- Main article: Skitter Leaf.
Scientific name: Rus pseudoarbicans
The Skitter Leaf is a harmless enemy introduced in Pikmin 2. They resemble a regular, healthy leaf. Skitter Leaves are fairly uncommon enemies, but are often found in groups. If approached, a Skitter Leaf will try to scurry away as it has no means of defense or offense. They can often be more trouble than they're worth, since they are only worth one Poko and seed.
Naming
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The following article or section needs help from someone who can translate Japanese text. |
"Skitter" is a verb that means "to run around", referring to how these creatures scurry about. This word is used in the family member's names, as well as the name of the family itself, which is a portmanteau of "skitter" and "ling", a suffix meaning that something is concerned with the root of the word it is found in.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 Japanese |
コノハムシ科? Konoha Mushi Ka |
Leaf bug family | |
 Chinese(traditional) |
木葉蟲科 | ||
 French |
ricocheurs | The name is a portmanteau of "haricot" (bean) and "cacheur" (hider) | |
 German |
Rutscher | Slipper | |
 Italian |
Stagnotteri | The name is a portmanteau of "stagno" (pond) and the suffix "-ttero"; equivalent of -ptera, commonly used in the names of bug orders | |
 Korean |
잎사귀벌레 과 | ||
 Portuguese |
Saltifolhídeos | Jumpeafidae | The name is a portmanteau of "saltitar" (jump), "folha" (leaf) and the suffix "-ídeos" (-idae), which is used for naming animal family names |
 Spanish |
Pisaátomos | Atomstompers |
