Careening Dirigibug

Careening Dirigibug
Appears in	Pikmin 2
Scientific name	Flotillium circusmaximus
Family	Dirigibug
Areas	None
Caves	Subterranean Complex, Submerged Castle, Cavern of Chaos, Hole of Heroes, Dream Den
Challenge Mode stages	Abduction Den
2-Player Battle stages	None
Attacks	Drops bomb rocks

Careening Dirigibugs are extremely strange creatures which don't appear to be native to the region in which they're seen. Colorful balloon-like appendages allow them to drift gracefully around. Despite their comical appearance, when approached, Dirigibugs pull from their mouths bomb rocks and toss them onto the ground with the intent of blowing Pikmin off the map. This can be taken advantage of to damage other enemies.

These beasts are only found underground, which includes caves, Challenge Mode and a single 2-player stage, Hostile Territory.

A Careening Dirigibug with a bomb rock in its hands.

Notes

Olimar's notes

“This creature floats effortlessly through the air using gas-filled balloons. Both its appearance and its nature are antagonistic. And it is the only variant of its species in this ecosystem. It may be best to consider the possibility that it somehow wandered into this ecosystem from an entirely alien one. Positive proof does not exist at this point, but that is how the creature is currently classified.”

Louie's notes

“Pull off the balloonlike air sacs, mince the meaty abdomen, and shape it into small cakes. Pan-sear the cakes until crusted, but be careful not to overcook the delicate meat. When ready to serve, garnish the plate with the vibrant air sacs. Even the most discerning dinner guest will be dazzled by the colorful presentation!”

Strategy

Dirigibugs can be defeated in the same manner as Scarpanids and other flying enemies: rapidly throw Pikmin onto it while in the air (one Purple Pikmin will work just as well), then swarm it when it falls. The creature should be approached from behind if possible, and Ultra-bitter spray is very useful should the enemy be carrying a bomb rock.

Without a spray, the creature will throw its bomb a random distance and direction when attacked. Should it land too close to the enemy to be able to make an approach, the player must back off and try again. Alternatively, bring it to the ground then whistle all Pikmin back to safety; then the Dirigibug will take longer to procure a new bomb-rock, leaving it vulnerable once the bomb-rock on the ground has exploded.

Brawl trophy description

"A dangerous, offensive-minded creature. It uses balloons to keep it afloat as it flies through the air and drops bomb-rocks on ground-bound prey. These Bomb-rocks sometimes turn out to be duds, but since the slightest stimulus can set these things off, the ultimate care should be taken with them."

Trivia

• A Careening Dirigibug trophy can be unlocked in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Interestingly, the trophy description details that Careening Dirigibugs occasionally throw dud bomb rocks.
• The Careening Dirigibugs bear a strange resemblence to the Eosapiens from the documentary "Alien Planet", and also from William Barlowe's book, Expedition. Both these creatures float using gas-fillied sacks on their heads, effectively hunt down their targets, and also have general body-shape appearances.
• In this creature's Piklopedia entry, petrifying the creature just as it breaks free from another spray makes it possible to freeze it and its bomb rock separately.
• On the first floor of the Cavern of Chaos, the Careening Dirigibugs can get stuck in the tubes which were added for decoration.

Gallery

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  A Careening Dirigibug in the Piklopedia.