Antenna Beetle

Antenna Beetle
Appears in	Pikmin 2
Scientific name	Mesmeri raiocontra
Family	Kettlebug
Areas	None
Caves	Snagret Hole, Hole of Heroes, Dream Den
Challenge Mode stages	None
2-Player Battle stages	None
Attacks	Attracts and pacifies Pikmin, interferes with Treasure Gauge

Antenna Beetles are creatures in Pikmin 2 that can pose danger to Pikmin, but not directly. They use their wings to produce sounds of a high pitch, which interferes with the Treasure Gauge and attracts Pikmin, much as the Captains' whistles do. That effect overrides any similar commands issued by Olimar, so they are able to take command of any Pikmin that are nearby; the only way to regain control of them is to kill it, or force it into leaping away again. Having Pikmin captured is where the danger comes in, because this creature may lead them into a hazard. The beast periodically jumps away and returns, stumbling as it lands, and can be led into disembarking in such a manner by attacking it. Approaching the beast often has a similar effect. In attack, swarm as it lands or throw Pikmin on; Purple Pikmin work the best, as they may stun it, preventing it from getting up and jumping away.

The Antenna Beetle is relatively rare, found in only a few underground locations. The Treasure Gauge being dysfunctional is an absolute indication that one is on the same sublevel as Olimar.

Notes

Olimar's notes

“This creature is able to control the Pikmin by way of the peculiar frequency of its roar, but its only objective seems to be defensive in nature, as it stops Pikmin from attacking and forces them to run away. This beast prefers humid, dimly lit environments, and has been known to inhabit empty and discarded containers. For this reason, it's wise to thoroughly ventilate any specimens that are recovered. Lifting off with one of these creatures in the hold can lead to a rupturing of the specimen during decompression, resulting in an explosive mess.”

Louie's notes

“Extract meat from the exoskeleton and sear on all sides in a hot wok to seal in the flavor. Top the dish off with a splash of spicy peanut sauce.”

Gallery

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  The Antenna Beetle