Scarpanid family

Swooping Snitchbug

Main article: Swooping Snitchbug.

The Swooping Snitchbug is a creature present during both of Captain Olimar's expeditions to the Pikmin Planet. They are legless, round, flying insects that have evolved wing-like antennae as a means of locomotion. They attack by swooping down and grabbing prey. After carrying them for a few seconds, they violently throw them toward the ground. This action would harm most prey, whereas Pikmin are simply replanted and reverted to their original leaf stage. Snitchbugs can be weighed down by throwing many Pikmin (or at least one Purple Pikmin) onto their body, causing them to crash to the ground and making them susceptible to attack.

Bumbling Snitchbug

Main article: Bumbling Snitchbug.

The Bumbling Snitchbug is a creature discovered by Captain Olimar during his second visit to the Pikmin Planet. It closely resembles the Swooping Snitchbug in appearance and behavior, though possesses more body mass. Instead of picking up Pikmin, it will pick up the pilots, and eventually hurl them into the ground; however, they will not be "planted". Captured leaders may struggle to free themselves by rotating the Analogue Stick or have a second leader throw Pikmin to combat the enemy. Weighing the Bug down will cause it to crash into the ground, where it is easily overwhelmed.