Dwarf Bulbear In-game icon.
Icon for the Dwarf Bulbear, from Pikmin 4's Piklopedia.
Appears in PikminPikmin 2Pikmin 3Pikmin 4
Scientific name Oculus terribilis dotticum larva (2nd molt) (Pikmin 4)
Oculus terribilis
(Pikmin 2)
Oculus terribilis tinius
(Pikmin Player's Guide)
Family Grub-dog
Areas The Distant Spring, Perplexing Pool, Distant Tundra, Giant's Hearth, Primordial Thicket (night)
Caves Frontier Cavern, Glutton's Kitchen, Hole of Heroes, Dream Den, Plunder Palace, Trial of the Sage Leaf
Challenge Mode stages The Forest of Hope, The Final Trial, Hot House, Subterranean Lair, Emperor's Realm
Mission Mode Collect Treasure! stages Beastly Caverns
Mission Mode Battle Enemies! stages Twilight Hollow, Formidable Oak Remix, Fortress of Festivity
Side Story days Creature Hunting, Looking for Louie
Dandori Challenge stages None
Dandori Battle stages None
2-Player Battle stages Angle Maze
Bingo Battle stages Arid Metropolis, Jigsaw Colosseum
Attacks Eat Pikmin

Dwarf Bulbears (チビクマ?, lit.: "Dwarf Bear") are enemies found in all four main Pikmin games. Unlike Dwarf Bulborbs, which are members of the Breadbug family that mimic larger Bulborbs, the Dwarf Bulbear is the true juvenile version of a larger grub-dog, in this case the Spotty Bulbear. Dwarf Bulbears are notably tougher and more alert than Dwarf Bulborbs, and are known to follow patrolling Spotty Bulbears.

Stats

Game Weight Max.
carriers
Seeds Value Health Regen.
  3 6 5 N/A 180 Unknown
  3 6 4   × 2 500 No
  (?) 3 6 (normally) 3   × 20
  × 20
200 No
  3 6 4   × 3 300 No

Behavior

Pikmin

In Pikmin, Dwarf Bulbears are essentially stronger versions of Dwarf Bulborbs. They are found sniffing the air instead of the ground, and can notice Pikmin from a greater distance. They have almost 40% more health and are able to stand more than one direct hit from a Pikmin. Dwarf Bulbears shriek when aggravated to alert any Spotty Bulbears in the vicinity. To shake off Pikmin, they swing their bodies first, and then perform a backflip. This shaking behavior is exclusive to this creature and this game. Exclusively seen in Challenge Mode, Dwarf Bulbears also wake up Spotty Bulborbs when shrieking.

Pikmin 2 Pikmin 3 and Pikmin 4

In Pikmin 2 and Pikmin 3, Dwarf Bulbears act even more similar to Dwarf Bulborbs, sniffing the ground and shaking off Pikmin with a regular head-shake. And although they have substantially more health in these two games, a single Pikmin thrown onto their back kills them instantly (not the case in Pikmin 4), unlike in Pikmin. They are now slightly more alert, however, and they do not delay in noticing a Pikmin in their territory. They will sniff the ground faster and perk up almost instantly when a Pikmin or leader is near.

A Dwarf Bulbear's behavior will change when a Spotty Bulbear is present. Spotty Bulbears now roam a patrol route in search of food rather than sleeping, and if they come across a pack of Dwarf Bulbears, the dwarfs will "yip" and follow the parent. The dwarfs' main objective is food, however, and they will stray from a Spotty Bulbear to chase Pikmin or leaders.

Biology

Like the Spotty Bulbear, Dwarf Bulbears have a mammalian appearance and a black backside with red spots. The Dwarf Bulbear also has the mouth texture and snout structure of the Bulbear, and they share eye colors in Pikmin and Pikmin 3. In Pikmin, Dwarf bulbears have glowing red eyes like the adult Bulbears do. Likewise, in Pikmin 3, Dwarf Bulbears share deep purple-colored eyes with Bulbears. However, in Pikmin 2, Dwarf Bulbears share the same blue eye textures with Dwarf Bulborbs and adult Bulbears share the same purple eye textures with the Red Bulborbs.

The Dwarf Bulbear is rather durable, which reflects the defensive strength of the Spotty Bulbear. When not following a parent Bulbear, they tend to be found in groups of two or three.

Dwarf Bulbears' habit of following a parent is similar to that of actual bears, although bears and most mammals do not define a route so much as a range of territory. Dwarf Bulbears are able to "switch parents" if their current "parent" is defeated or the Dwarf Bulbear becomes lost. It will follow the nearest Spotty Bulbear whenever this happens. This is most commonly seen in the Subterranean Lair in challenge mode.

Notes

Reel notes

A bulbear at an early stage of development in its lifecycle, this specimen appears to be nearly fully developed.

Olimar's notes

A grub-dog larva in its third stage of development, this creature's body structure is nearing maturation. However, unlike mature bulbears, it has yet to claim its own patrol route, and thus is dependent upon its parent for guarding direction.

Louie's notes

Remove innards, stuff with sage and finely aged prosciutto, and broil until golden brown. The ultimate crowd pleasers!

Alph's comments

  US version

Structural flaw: back
Weight: 3

Their behavior around a spotty bulbear reminds me of satellites orbiting a larger body. Like satellites, they exist in darkness and are hard to see but can be destroyed with a well-placed strike. If it's with the larger body, though, stay away. You wouldn't want to get...pulled into...its gravity? This metaphor is getting away from me.
  European version

Structural flaw: back
Weight: 3

Their behaviour around a Spotty Bulbear reminds me of satellites orbiting a larger body. Like satellites, they exist in darkness and are hard to see, but can be destroyed with a well-placed strike. If it's with the larger body, though, stay away. You wouldn't want to get...pulled into...its gravity? This metaphor is getting away from me.

Brittany's comments

It takes after the big guys in a lot of ways. They're not as brave, though. Walk up to one and just watch it run to get help. I'd laugh at it, but I'm usually running away by then myself.

Charlie's comments

I'll admit, these critters have a certain charm. I'd like to stuff one and keep it as a trophy in my office, but I'd have to pry it from the Pikmin's eager hands first.

Louie's comments

Remove innards, stuff with sage and finely aged prosciutto, and broil until golden brown. The ultimate crowd pleasers!

Olimar's comments

Dwarf Bulbear
Oculus terribilis
Grub-dog family

A grub-dog larva in its third stage of development, this creature's body structure is nearing maturation. However, unlike mature bulbears, it has yet to claim its own patrol route, and thus it is dependent upon its parent for guarding direction.

Dalmo's notes

This little darling is always with its beloved mother, but when it grows up she'll drive it away. Though it may seem cruel, she helps it develop the confidence to survive on its own by forcing it to fend for itself. Such practical creatures could teach us a lot about learning to get by in the world.

Pikmin 2 Nintendo Player's Guide

What Dwarf Bulbears lack in size, they make up in ferociousness. They eat Pikmin quickly and keep eating them as long as a fresh supply is available. You can flatten one of the beasts in a single stomp, but only if your aim is very good. Call your Pikmin of choice back if they miss.

Pikmin (Nintendo Switch) reel notes

It looks like an early stage of bulbear development, but this specimen appears to be nearly fully developed.

Glitch

To do: This needs elaboration and proof to be added to the glitches article.
Care to do so?

There's a glitch in the Piklopedia for Dwarf Bulbears while eating Pikpik carrots, in which they die instantly.

Strategy

The following article or section contains guides.
The strategies shown are just suggestions.

Pikmin

You can easily defeat this creature by swarming it with a large group of Pikmin. If only a few are available, throw Pikmin onto the Dwarf Bulbear's back and then call them back to avoid Pikmin deaths. This creature can cause the crushing glitch when defeated, in Pikmin.

Defeating a family of Bulbears is much more dangerous and challenging, as the Dwarf Bulbears both defend their parent from behind and attack Pikmin that are shaken off in battle. It is generally best to defeat the Spotty Bulbear first, though, since it is a worse threat and can travel farther than the juveniles. In Pikmin 2, a well-timed ultra-bitter spray can petrify the entire group of Bulbears, including the parent. With a bit of luck, a barrage of Purple Pikmin can also stun all the creatures within a small radius, leaving them vulnerable to attack. In Pikmin 3, bomb rocks are the least costly method of taking out the family; normally enough bomb rocks are provided near the Bulbears' territory. If bomb rocks are not available, attack the Spotty Bulbear from the front, aiming for the eyes, and keep Pikmin from straying too far to avoid the dwarfs. After the parent is defeated, go for its offspring: throwing direct Pikmin hits on their backs is most effective, but with a large army swarming can most likely work faster with few losses.

In Pikmin 4, a direct hit with a Pikmin will not instantly kill the creature, and will rather deal one third of the beast's total Health.

Leaders

Attacking Dwarf Bulbears from behind is the most effective strategy. It might take a while to defeat, but it is by no means a difficult task.

Technical information

Pikmin technical information (?)
Internal name chappb
HP 180
Pikmin 2 technical information (?)
Internal name kumakochappy
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 0.1
s004 bounceFactor Unknown (bounce when it hits the ground?) 0.3
fp00 ライフ HP 500
fp01 マップとの当り Unknown (related to slopes) 20
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 0.25
fp04 ダメージフレーム Damage scale duration 0.3
fp05 質量 Unknown (weight?) 0.1
fp06 速度 Move speed 60
fp08 回転速度率 Rotation acceleration 0.4
fp09 テリトリー Territory radius 500
fp10 ホーム範囲 "Home" radius 80
fp11 プライベート距離 "Private" radius 70
fp12 視界距離 Sight radius 150
fp13 視界角度 FOV 180
fp14 探索距離 Unknown (exploration radius?) 400
fp15 探索角度 Unknown (exploration angle?) 180
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 17
fp20 攻撃可能範囲 Unknown (shock attack max range?) 35
fp21 攻撃可能角度 Unknown (shock attack max angle?) 25
fp22 攻撃ヒット範囲 Unknown (attack hit range?) 38
fp23 攻撃ヒット角度 Unknown (attack hit angle?) 25
fp24 攻撃力 Attack damage 10
fp25 視界高 Unknown (height visibility?) 50
fp26 探索高 Unknown (exploration height?) 100
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?) 15
fp30 警戒ライフ Unknown 30
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 20
fp34 ピクミンとのあたり Pikmin damage radius 10
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 5
ip01 振り払い打撃A Shake mode 1 – hit count 1
ip02 振り払い張付1 Shake mode 1 – Pikmin requirement 1
ip03 振り払い打撃B Shake mode 2 – hit count 1
ip04 振り払い張付2 Shake mode 2 – Pikmin requirement 2
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 3
ip07 振り払い打撃D Shake mode 4 – hit count 2
Specific properties
ID Japanese comment Property Value
fp01 白ピクミン White Pikmin poison damage 500
Pikmin 3 technical information (?)
Internal name kumakochappy
HP 200
Rock Pikmin throw hits to kill 1
White Pikmin ingestions to kill 1
Bomb rock explosions to kill 1
Bomb rock ingestions to kill 0
Number of direct hits on top to kill 1
Damage to leaders 10
Territory radius 200
Mission Mode value 20

Other information

  • Size: Body length: 27mm, as per the e-card
  • Pikmin 2 Piklopedia number: #8

Naming

See more: Grub-dog family#Naming and Spotty Bulbear#Naming.
  • Common name: Dwarf Bulbear. It is a smaller version of the Spotty Bulbear, so it shares the word "Bulbear".
  • Japanese nickname: チビクマ?. It means "Dwarf Bear", just like how the Spotty Bulbear is called クマチャッピー?, or "Bear Chappy".
  • Japanese name: クマデメマダラ?, lit.: "Spotted Bear Bug-eye". It is the same as the Spotty Bulbear's.
  • Scientific name: The scientific name, Oculus terribilis dotticum larva (2nd molt), is the same as the Spotty Bulbear's, minus the larva (2nd molt) phrase. Before Pikmin 4, dwarf bulbears incorrectly lacked the dotticum in its name.
  • Technical name: Diminutive Grub-Dog
  • Internal names: Internally, it is called chappb in Pikmin, which is the same name as the Dwarf Bulborb, chappy, but with a B at the end, potentially short for "bear", or simply meaning "the B version". In Pikmin 2 and Pikmin 3, the internal name is kumakochappy, which actually uses a different size qualifier from its regular name: it uses ? (lit.: "young") instead of チビ? (lit.: "dwarf"). ? is used in the normal Japanese name of all other "dwarf" enemies in the series.
  • Prerelease: None.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
  Japanese チビクマ?
Chibi Kuma
Dwarf Bear
  Chinese
(traditional)
小熊恰比
Xiǎo Xióng Qiàbǐ
Small Bear Chappy
  Chinese
(simplified)
小熊恰比
Xiǎo Xióng Qiàbǐ
Small Bear Chappy
  Dutch Dwergbulbeer Dwarf bulbear
  French Bulbours Nain (Pikmin 2; Pikmin 3, Olimar's comments)
Bulbours nain (Pikmin 3, Pikmin 4)
Dwarf Bulbear
Dwarf bulbear
  German Zwerg-Punktbär Dwarf Pointbear "Punktbär" is the German name for Bulbear
  Italian Coleto nano macchiato Spotted dwarf bulbear "Coleto" may come from "boletus" (Latin for mushroom), as a bulborb's spots resemble those found on certain mushrooms
"Coleto" is the Italian name for both Bulborb and Bulbear
  Korean 꼬마곰차피
Kkoma-Gom-Chapi
Dwarf Bear Chappy
  Portuguese Bulboca-anão Dwarf bulbmouth "Bulboca" is a portmanteau of "bulbo" (bulb) and "boca" (mouth)
"Bulboca" is the Brazilian Portuguese name for Bulbear
"Bulboca" also sounds close to "boboca" (a childish slang that means "silly" or "stupid")
  Spanish Bulboso enano Dwarf bulbear

Gallery

See also