Moldy Dwarf Bulborb

The Moldy Dwarf Bulborb is an enemy in. It is the body of a Dwarf Bulborb being controlled by a parasitic Toxstool. As the parasite has full control over the host's body, it is classified as being a member of the Sporovid family rather than the Grub-dog family. It acts similar to a typical dwarf bulborb of any variety, but differ as they expel poisonous gas from their backs which are harmful to non-White Pikmin. If killed, they can be revived by the Toxstool. The same parasite species also infects the Moldy Slooch.

Behavior
The Moldy Dwarf Bulborb behaves similarly to Dwarf Bulborbs i.e. idling and pacing around until engaged in combat. Moldy Dwarf Bulborbs seem to have a larger detection radiusneeds proof, more health points and a more aggressive disposition. Unlike Dwarf Bulborbs, Moldy Dwarf Bulborbs can't be one-shot with a direct strike to their back and instead stagger, spew toxic spores and take a chunk of damage.

Toxstools can revive Moldy Dwarf Bulborbs by pathing to them and spewing spores over them.

Appearance
The Moldy Dwarf Bulborb is identical in size and shape to a Dwarf Bulborb, barring the clusters of fungi on its body. Its face is a light stone blue, its hindquarters turquoise, and its spots white. The sky-blue fungal mass is nearly the size and span of the Dwarf Bulborb host and it wobbles and sways as the host moves. Direct strikes to the back of the Moldy Dwarf Bulborb squash the fungal clusters and expel clouds of toxic spores.

The Moldy Dwarf Bulborb is implied to be close to death (if not actually dead) in Olimar's log, and its turquoise pallor and black eyes are likely a product of fungal colonization and decomposition.

Locations

 * Primordial Thicket
 * Engulfed Castle
 * Doppelgänger's Den
 * Trial of the Sage Leaf
 * Cavern for a King

Strategy
The Moldy Dwarf Bulborb can be taken care of by throwing White Pikmin on its back and repeatedly stun-locking it. Any color of Pikmin will deal contact damage and stagger it, but with the risk of scattering or losing Pikmin due to the spores released on a direct hit. If the player does not have White Pikmin, it is better to simply have the Pikmin charge at the enemy, as it will not release poison if engaged in that way. Alternatively, Oatchi can make short work of them provided he's equipped with the Sniff Saver, either biting them or flattening them with a charge.

Trivia

 * Olimar's notes classify the fungal host body as that of a "young Bulborb", rather than that of a Breadbug mimic like the Dwarf Bulborb. This is possibly a mistake, as the host body features multiple traits (short snout, fewer spots) that are consistent with that of a Breadbug mimic. Notably, the Dwarf Frosty Bulborb is both considered an actual Bulborb and has these characteristics.