Skitter Leaf

Skitter Leaf
Appears in	Pikmin 2, Pikmin 3, Pikmin 4
Scientific name	Rus pseudoarbicans
Family	Skitterling
Areas	Perplexing Pool, Tropical Wilds, Garden of Hope, Blossoming Arcadia
Caves	Citadel of Spiders, Hole of Heroes, Secluded Courtyard
Challenge Mode stages	Hidden Garden
Mission Mode Collect Treasure! stages	Tropical Forest
Mission Mode Battle Enemies! stages	Shaded Garden, Beastly Caverns
Side Story days	Creature Hunting
Dandori Challenge stages	Hotshock Canyon
Dandori Battle stages	None
2-Player Battle stages	Brawl Yard, Tile Lands
Bingo Battle stages	Shaded Terrace, Stagnant Sea, Blooming Terrace, Buried Pond
Attacks	None

The Skitter Leaf (ハンボ^?, lit.: "Leaf Pond Skater") is an enemy found in Pikmin 2, Pikmin 3 and Pikmin 4 that resembles a leaf. Skitter Leaves remain camouflaged on the ground until approached by leaders, at which time they attempt to flee with a cricket-like chirp. They are somewhat rare, usually located in very fresh places, such as near or in water or foliage, but they are not worth defeating or recovering. This is because the leaf they leave upon death, while only requiring one Pikmin to carry, yields only a single Pikmin seed or one Poko.

Stats

Game	Weight	Max. carriers	Seeds	Value	Health	Regen.
	1	1	1	× 1	120	No
(?)	1	1	1	× 5 × 5	45	No
	1	1	1	× 1	45	No

Biology

The Skitter Leaf, when it is hiding, looks like a small leaf on the ground, making it seem like it's part of the scenery. When approached, however, it will leap up, revealing feet with a similar pattern to the leaf on its back, and bulgy red eyes. What the stem would be on a leaf is actually the Skitter Leaf's mouth, and due to its small, tube-like appearance, one can conclude that the Skitter Leaf mainly feeds on plant juices. The main "leaf" acts as a cape, which the Skitter Leaf uses to fend itself from predation by flipping in the air and whipping it around. Upon flipping, the creature will also reveal a rounded, yellow abdomen.

Notes

Olimar's notes

“The skitter leaf is a relative of the pond skater that shed its wings and adapted to life on the ground. With no residual traits of its airborne past, the skitter leaf can neither fly nor skit across the surface of the water. The wings have since evolved into the leaflike structure on its back, which serves to hide the skitter leaf through mimicry. It appears quite effective, as few predators can see through this clever disguise.”

Louie's notes

“The superb amalgamation of juicy meat and leafy greens ensures that the skitter leaf will be the new spinach!”

Alph's comments

US version

“Structural flaw: back
Weight: 1

I'm in love with this camouflage job. It looks like an ordinary leaf fallen from a tree, and then wham! It starts to move and takes you by surprise. We could learn a lot from the way it uses protective coloration to blend in with its surroundings. I'm thinking of redesigning our space suits, or maybe even the S.S. Drake's hull.”

European version

“Structural flaw: back
Weight: 1

I'm in love with this camouflage job. It looks like an ordinary leaf fallen from a tree, and then wham! It starts to move and takes you by surprise. We could learn a lot from the way it uses protective colouration to blend in with its surroundings. I'm thinking of redesigning our space suits, or maybe even the S.S. Drake's hull.”

Brittany's comments

“Not only do its body and limbs look like leaves—its beady little eyes remind me of fruit. I don't see the point of all that camouflage when they startle at every single thing that gets close.”

Charlie's comments

“It's totally harmless, but sometimes there is a reason to defeat one. When that happens, the best we can do is to be merciful and land one solid strike on its back. Poor thing.”

Louie's comments

“The superb amalgamation of juicy meat and leafy greens ensures that the skitter leaf will be the new spinach!”

Olimar's comments

US version

“Skitter Leaf
Rus pseudoarbicans
Skitterling family

The skitter leaf is a relative of the pond skater that shed its wings and adapted to life on the ground. With no residual traits of its airborne past, the skitter leaf can neither fly nor skit across the surface of the water. The wings have since evolved into the leaflike structure on its back, which serves to hide the skitter leaf through mimicry. It appears quite effective, as few predators can see through this clever disguise.”

European version

“Skitter Leaf
Rus pseudoarbicans
Skitterling family

The skitter leaf is a relative of the pond skater that shed its wings and adapted to life on the ground. With no residual traits of its airborne past, the skitter leaf can neither fly nor skitter across the surface of the water. The wings have since evolved into the leaflike structure on its back, which serves to hide the skitter leaf through mimicry. It appears quite effective, as few predators can see through this clever disguise.”

Dalmo's notes

“In both its vibrant spring color and precise shape, this cunning crawler looks just like a leaf! It's the perfect camouflage! It only becomes an issue when this sometimes careless critter forgets to look for a hiding place with an abundance of other green leaves lying around. Then it becomes quite easy to spot!”

Olimar's notes (Pikmin 4)

“The Skitter Leaf is a relative of the pond skater that shed its wings and adapted to life on the ground. With no residual traits of its airborne past, the Skitter Leaf can neither fly nor skit across the surface of the water.

The wings have since evolved into the leaflike structure on its back, which serves to hide the Skitter Leaf through mimicry. It appears quite effective, as few predators can see through this clever disguise.”

Louie's notes (Pikmin 4)

“The superb amalgamation of juicy meat and leafy greens ensures that the Skitter Leaf will be the new spinach!”

Pikmin 2 Nintendo Player's guide

“They look like leaves, but they're critters. You can swarm Skitter Leafs or hit them with air attacks and defeat them with ease. In one Challenge-mode arena, you'll defeat Skitter Leafs to earn point-producing treasure.”

Pikmin 3 Prima Guide

“The Skitter Leaf is a harmless creature that uses its leaf-shaped body to blend into the environment. When threatened, a Skitter Leaf jumps out of hiding and attempts to flee from its attackers. You can simply ignore these enemies, but they can prove useful when Pikmin cultivation is a priority. To defeat a Skitter Leaf, simply toss a single Pikmin onto its back.”

Pikmin Garden

Text

“青々とした広葉樹の葉に擬態した、アメンボの一種。外敵からの捕食を避けるため、葉っぱのふりをしている。水に浮くことはできないが、体をくねらせて上手に泳ぐことができる。

特徴その1 擬態する

木の葉のふりをして、その下に体を隠し外敵から身を守っている。柄のような口吻で、大地のエキスを吸う。

特徴その2 羽の名残

葉っぱに見える部位は羽が変化したもので、その名残から動いたときに鈴のような音が嗚る。

(Image text: 羽に隠れた体には青い斑点がある)”

Translation

“A kind of pond skater that mimics the leaves of lush broadleaf trees. It pretends to be a leaf to avoid predation from enemies. Although it cannot float in water, it can swim well by twisting its body.

Feature #1: Mimicry

Pretending to be a leaf, it hides its body underneath to protect itself from enemies. It uses its stalk-like proboscis to suck nectar.

Feature #2: Remnants of wings

The part of the body that looks like a leaf was originally a pair of wings, the remnants of which make a bell-like sound when it moves.

(Image text: "There are blue spots on the body hidden by the wings")”

Strategy

Pikmin 2

Swarm it with Pikmin, or toss one directly onto its back; Purple Pikmin work especially well for the latter method, as they will home in on the Skitter Leaf. It has low vitality and can also be easily defeated by leaders. Leaders can be harmed by it, and it will shake any attacking Pikmin off when given the chance, which usually knocks off their flowers or buds. This enemy cannot be petrified when it hides as a leaf, but it can when it is up and active.

Pikmin 3

The creature is much harder to defeat with leaders and reacts quicker to assaults, but remains easy to defeat with one shot on the back. Winged Pikmin are the only Pikmin somewhat ineffective against it, unless they are tossed directly onto its back while resting.

Pikmin 4

The creature can knock Oatchi down with its flip but its susceptible to his rush attack, allowing for easy defeats. Since it is encountered mostly early game, using a Pikmin with a regular throw height will deal with it quickly as opposed to Yellow Pikmin being thrown higher.

Technical information

Pikmin 2 technical information (?)
Internal name			`sokkuri`
Global properties (List)
ID	Japanese comment	Property	Value
s000	friction(not used)	Friction	0.5
s001	wallReflection	Unknown (wall bounce speed multiplier?)	0.5
s002	faceDirAdjust	Unknown	0.25
s003	accel	Acceleration	0.05
s004	bounceFactor	Unknown (bounce when it hits the ground?)	0.3
fp00	ライフ	HP	120
fp01	マップとの当り	Unknown (related to slopes)	15
fp02	ダメージスケールXZ	Horizontal damage scale	0.2
fp03	ダメージスケールY	Vertical damage scale	0.2
fp04	ダメージフレーム	Damage scale duration	0.2
fp05	質量	Unknown (weight?)	0.1
fp06	速度	Move speed	120
fp08	回転速度率	Rotation acceleration	0.5
fp09	テリトリー	Territory radius	200
fp10	ホーム範囲	"Home" radius	150
fp11	プライベート距離	"Private" radius	50
fp12	視界距離	Sight radius	150
fp13	視界角度	FOV	180
fp14	探索距離	Unknown (exploration radius?)	0
fp15	探索角度	Unknown (exploration angle?)	0
fp16	振り払い率	Successful shake rate	1
fp17	振り払い力	Shake knockback	50
fp18	振り払いダメージ	Shake damage	1
fp19	振り払い範囲	Shake range	40
fp20	攻撃可能範囲	Unknown (shock attack max range?)	0
fp21	攻撃可能角度	Unknown (shock attack max angle?)	0
fp22	攻撃ヒット範囲	Unknown (attack hit range?)	0
fp23	攻撃ヒット角度	Unknown (attack hit angle?)	0
fp24	攻撃力	Attack damage	0
fp25	視界高	Unknown (height visibility?)	50
fp26	探索高	Unknown (exploration height?)	0
fp27	ライフの高さ	HP wheel height	50
fp28	回転最大速度	Rotation speed	10
fp29	警戒時間	Unknown (warning time?)	0
fp30	警戒ライフ	Unknown	0
fp31	ライフ回復率	Regeneration rate	0
fp32	LOD半径	Off-camera radius	40
fp33	マップとのあたりポリゴンの選定	Collision processing radius	30
fp34	ピクミンとのあたり	Pikmin damage radius	15
fp35	石化時間	Petrification duration	1
fp36	ヒップドロップダメージ	Purple Pikmin drop damage	50
fp37	地震気絶確立	Purple Pikmin stun chance	0.3 (30%)
fp38	地震気絶時間	Purple Pikmin stun time	10
ip01	振り払い打撃Ａ	Shake mode 1 – hit count	2
ip02	振り払い張付１	Shake mode 1 – Pikmin requirement	0
ip03	振り払い打撃Ｂ	Shake mode 2 – hit count	2
ip04	振り払い張付２	Shake mode 2 – Pikmin requirement	0
ip05	振り払い打撃Ｃ	Shake mode 3 – hit count	2
ip06	振り払い張付３	Shake mode 3 – Pikmin requirement	0
ip07	振り払い打撃Ｄ	Shake mode 4 – hit count	2
Specific properties
ID	Japanese comment	Property	Value
fp01	移動時間最大	Max walk time	1
fp02	移動時間最小	Min walk time	0
fp03	移動角度最大	Max angle change	90
fp04	移動角度最小	Min angle change	30
fp11	待機確率	Unknown (chance of standing still?)	0.4
fp12	待機時間最大	Unknown	3.25
fp13	待機時間最小	Unknown (min stopped time?)	1.75
fp21	水中移動速度	Unknown (underwater speed?	25
fp22	水中回転速度率	Unknown (underwater rotation speed?)	0.05
fp23	水中回転最大速度	Unknown (underwater rotation max speed?)	1

Pikmin 3 technical information (?)
Internal name	`hambo`
HP	45
Rock Pikmin throw hits to kill	1
White Pikmin ingestions to kill	0
Bomb rock explosions to kill	1
Bomb rock ingestions to kill	0
Number of direct hits on top to kill	1
Damage to leaders	0
Territory radius	200
Mission Mode value	5

Other information

Size: Body length: 56mm, as per the e-card
Pikmin 2 Piklopedia number: #53
Pikmin 4 Piklopedia number: #35

Naming

See more: Skitterling family#Naming.

Common name: Skitter Leaf. The creature being called a leaf is a clear reference to its leaf shape allowing it to blend with the environment.
Japanese nickname: ハンボ^?. From 葉^? (lit.: "leaf") and アメンボ^? (lit.: "pond skater").
Japanese name: ミドリコノハムシ^?, lit.: "Green Leaf Bug". From コノハムシ科^?, the Skitterling family's Japanese name.
Scientific name: Rus pseudoarbicans. From pseudo, Greek for "fake", and possibly arbor, Latin for "tree". The meaning of Rus is unknown.
Internal names: Internally, its name in Pikmin 2 is sokkuri, which is an onomatopoeia for "looks like", once more referring to how it mimics a leaf. Its internal name in the next game is hambo, a romanization of its Japanese nickname.
Prerelease: None.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning	Notes
Japanese	ハンボ^? Hanbo	Leaf Pond Skater	The name comes from "葉^?" (lit. leaf) and "アメンボ^?" (lit. pond skater)
Chinese (traditional)	葉子水黽 Yèzi Shuǐmǐn	Leaf Pond Skater
Chinese (simplified)	叶子水黾 Yèzi Shuǐmǐn	Leaf Pond Skater
Dutch	Groen Scharrelend Blad	Green Scrambling Leaf
French	Feuille Animale Feuille animale (Pikmin 4)	Animal Leaf Animal leaf (Pikmin 4)
German	Rutschblatt	Slip Leaf
Italian	Foglia Finta Foglia finta (Pikmin 4)	Fake Leaf Fake leaf (Pikmin 4)
Korean	잎사귀쟁이 Ipsagwi-Jaengi	Leaf Pond Skater	From 잎사 (leaf) and 소금쟁이 (pond skater)
Portuguese	Saltifolha	Jumpeaf	The name is a portmanteau of "saltitar" (jump) and "folha" (leaf)
Spanish	Pisaátomos hoja	Leaf Atomstomper

Gallery

Pikmin 2

Artwork of a Skitter Leaf.
A Skitter Leaf in the Piklopedia.
A bunch of Skitter Leaves in water.
The Piklopedia icon of the Skitter Leaf in the Nintendo Switch version of Pikmin 2.
A Skitter Leaf recovering from a flip.
The corpse of a Skitter Leaf.

Pikmin 3

Artwork of the Skitter Leaf .
Some idle Skitter Leaves in Pikmin 3.
A close up of a Skitter Leaf.
A Skitter Leaf shaking Pikmin; notice the abdomen.
The upper part of a Skitter Leaf's abdomen.
A Skitter Leaf being locked-onto in a prerelease version of Pikmin 3.
The corpses of two Skitter Leaves.

Pikmin 4

P4 Skitter Leaf Render.png

Render of the Skitter Leaf from Pikmin 4.
The Piklopedia icon of the Skitter Leaf in Pikmin 4.
A Skitter Leaf's corpse being carried by both Oatchi and a Pikmin.
Five defeated Skitter Leaves in the Piklopedia.
Two Skitter Leaves in Secluded Courtyard.
Ten Skitter Leaves falling from the sky.
A Skitterleaf mid-flip.
The hidden body of a Skitter Leaf.

Other

The Skitter Leaf's e-card, #59 (7^th blue card).

Trivia

The Skitter Leaf resembles Magnolia acuminata leaves.
In both Pikmin 2 and Pikmin 3, the Skitter Leaf moves very slowly in water, and its animation resembles it attempting to swim.
In Pikmin 4, it's possible for both Oatchi and a Pikmin to carry the same Skitter Leaf body.
Occasionally, when a Skitter Leaf disguises itself right as it loses all of its health, it won't die until being disturbed again.^{[source needed]}