The Iridescent Flint Beetle (コガネモチ) is an enemy found in all Pikmin games. It resembles a real-world beetle with an ovular, iridescent green carapace. To attack it, one must throw a Pikmin directly onto it, which causes it to drop a useful object; Pikmin attacking from the ground cannot harm it. This creature disappears after a certain amount of time has passed or if it has been overturned enough times.
Pikmin[]
In Pikmin, these bugs appear much larger than in Pikmin 2, and have a slightly different coloration. They are more common, and are somewhat helpful. They are mostly found in foliage or in corners. When hit, they first drop a 1-Pellet, then, when hit again, they drop two doses of Nectar. Upon the next direct hit more doses of nectar are released, and then a 5-Pellet. This cycle repeats once more, ending after the second set. It also poses an indirect threat to Pikmin, as it will often run through Olimar's army. This results in the Pikmin automatically attacking and chasing it unless called back, which can lead them into danger.
In the Challenge Mode at The Impact Site, an Iridescent Flint Beetle may push a red 20-Pellet out of the fire so Pikmin that are not Red Pikmin may carry it.
Pikmin 2[]
In Pikmin 2, Pikmin no longer attack Iridescent Flint Beetles automatically as they do in the original game. In all Pikmin 2 Challenge Mode levels they're in, these creatures rarely drop treasures. They are found in similar locations, but only drop three things: a 1-Pellet (a dose of nectar if it's underground), 2 doses of Nectar, and then a dose of Ultra-Spicy Spray (three doses of nectar if the Ultra-Spicy Spray hasn't been discovered yet). It is easier to reap the rewards without extensive labor with the use of Purple Pikmin, as their homing slam invalidates the need for aiming.
As a side note, it is possible to defeat these creatures while petrified, but they drop neither Nectar or Spray and leave no corpse.
On the main menu of Pikmin 2, if you press Z (New Play Control!) a Iridescent Flint Beetle may appear that can be controlled with the C Stick (Gamecube) or the D-pad (New Play Control!). The beetle will be attacked when it gets close to the Pikmin.
Pikmin 3[]
In Pikmin 3, the Iridescent Flint Beetle has more of a spread out, saucer-like, shinier body. Instead of stripes, it has four blotchy spots. It has visible eyes atop two stalks, as well as two horizontally-facing antennae. It has teal blotches scattered across its carapace. Only 2 are seen in Story Mode, with one in the Twilight River, and the other in the Garden of Hope. Both are located just outside the base. When hit, they make a cymbal/bell-like sound, and drop Pellets and/or Nectar[confirmation needed].
Pikmin 4[]
In Pikmin 4, the Beetle looks similar to how it does in Pikmin 2. It also has long eye stalks like in Pikmin 3. It is quite pearlescent, boasting a sheen that most other foes are far from possessing. When hit, it may drop Nectar, Pellets, or Sprays[confirmation needed].
Notes[]
Ship's Log[]
"This creature's hypnotic reflective body is quite hard, giving it a good defense against Pikmin attacks. Why, then, do the Pikmin chase it in such a frenzy? I wonder if it will undergo any change if I hit it directly with Pikmin..."
Reel Notes[]
"This forager stores undigested pellets in its stomach for winter."
Olimar's Notes[]
"Flint beetles are nocturnal, choosing to hide in the grass by day and stay active at night. These creatures keep undigested food pellets in their stomachs to sustain them through winter, but given the right stimulus they will spit them out. Recent research has revealed that these pellets are enveloped in a membrane that seals and preserves them in a sterile, airtight environment. If kept at room temperature, it seems that this pellet membrane will keep its contents fresh for up to six months. The membrane may be made from the same substance that gives the exoskeleton of the flint beetle its beautiful sheen."
Louie's Notes[]
"An essential flavor-accentuating ingredient in gumbo and jambalaya. Also delicious in soups, broths, and marinades."
Nintendo Player's Guide[]
"Squirrely Flint Beetles hold nectar. They won't harm your Pikmin, but they won't stand and let you defeat them, either. If you're on the trail of an Iridescent Flint Beetle, anticipate when it will stop moving, aim, then hit it with a quick accurate toss."
Pikmin 3 Prima Guide[]
"The Iridescent Flint Beetle is a harmless burrowing creature. Attacking the creature generally yields a nice supply of pellets and Nectar. The Iridescent Flint Beetle is a fast-moving creature. When the creature emerges, allow it to scurry around the area. When the creature stops moving, you have a brief window to attack. Toss a single Pikmin directly onto the Iridescent Flint Beetle to yield a nice reward. Repeat the process as many times as possible before the Iridescent Flint Beetle burrows back underground."
Alph's Notes[]
“Structural flaw: back
Weight: unknown
It reminds me a bit of prize-dispensing machines. Only instead of putting in coins, you throw Pikmin, and instead of toys, you get pellets and nectar.”
Brittany's Notes[]
“The pop quiz of indigenous creatures. You might think you're ready for it, but when the time comes, you're probably not. There's no penalty for failure except missing out on neat rewards, which is basically torture.”
Charlie's Notes[]
“Finding one of these critters means it's your lucky day! If you can manage to hit it with Pikmin, it'll drop pellets and nectar. All you have to do is wait for it to stop and then press the attack!”
Olimar's Notes (Pikmin 3)[]
“Iridescent Flint Beetle
Pilli envelopens striaticus
Flint beetle family
Flint beetles are nocturnal, choosing to hide in the grass by day and stay active at night. These creatures keep undigested food pellets in their stomachs to sustain them through winter, but given the right stimulus they will spit them out. Recent research has revealed that these pellets are enveloped in a membrane that seals and preserves them in a sterile, airtight environment. If kept at room temperature, it seems that this pellet membrane will keep its contents fresh for up to six months. The membrane may be made from the same substance that gives the exoskeleton of the flint beetle its beautiful sheen. This specimen is a subspecies of the previously documented species, recognizable by the variant pattern on its back.”
Dalmo's Notes[]
“This scuttling little one is a good-luck talisman you'd be happy to encounter. If you're fortunate enough to come upon one, make a wish before it leaves. The way its iridescent carapace changes colour depending on the angle you view it from is so distracting that I often forget to wish for something!”
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Trophy[]
"These guys appear in the Pikmin series, dropping rare items and fleeing nearby Pikmin. Purple Pikmin can flip them over, making the whole "getting rare items" process a lot easier. According to Louie, cooking one of these guys yields a meal with a distinct and delicious flavor."
Gallery[]
Main Article: Iridescent Flint Beetle/Gallery
Trivia[]
- Even though the Iridescent Flint Beetle and its closer relatives (the Iridescent Glint Beetle and the Doodlebug) are in separate families (Glint beetles and Flint Bugs), they all belong to the Genus Pilli. In terms of zoological taxonomy, this is not possible, since lower taxa can not be distributed freely among higher taxa.
- In Pikmin 3, the Iridescent Flint Beetle has 6 legs, making it the first anatomically-correct insectoid in the Pikmin franchise.
- The scientific name Pilli envelopens translates to "enveloping pill-bug", with pilli for the common pill-bug and envelopens for envelope.
- The Japanese name for the Iridescent Flint Beetle is a term for "small sum of money."
- The Iridescent Flint Beetle may be the least consistent enemy in the entire Pikmin series. Pikmin's rendition is slightly different than Pikmin 2's, Pikmin 3's is the most unique throughout all of the games, and Pikmin 4's may have looked like Pikmin 2's, but due to it being in HD (as opposed to Pikmin 2 in SD), it is impossible to tell.
Harmless enemies | |
---|---|
Passive | Adult Centipare • Blubbug • Centipare • Coppeller • Female Sheargrub • Flatterchuck • Honeywisp • Iridescent Flint Beetle • Iridescent Glint Beetle • Leech Hydroe • Mitite • Muggonfly • Nectarous Dandelfly • Puffstalk • Ravenous Whiskerpillar • Red Bubblimp • Red Spectralid • Skitter Leaf • Seedbagger • Unmarked Spectralid • White Spectralid • Wolpole • Yellow Spectralid |
Hostile | Antenna Beetle • Arctic Cannon Larva • Blizzarding Blowhog • Bumbling Snitchbug • Iceblown Dweevil • Icy Blowhog • Mamuta • Medusal Slurker • Miniature Snootwhacker • Moss • Muckerskate • Puffy Blowhog • Puffy Blubbug • Snowy Blowhog • Swarming Sheargrub • Swooping Snitchbug • Waddlepus • Withering Blowhog |