Author Notes - I'm not sure what to say about this family, honestly. Other than the fact that Anode Beetles are kind of sad when you think about it too hard. I mean, they can only defend themselves if there's more than one, they make sad sounds when you kill them, and inevitably you will leave one Anode Beetle to live the rest of its life alone. ... Anyway, onto the document.

SCARAB BEETLE FAMILY

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Anthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera

EMILY'S PERSONAL NOTES

I like ladybugs. Like, a lot. They look really pretty. I just don't understand why they're called 'ladybugs'. They're not all female! And some people call them 'ladybirds', which is even more baffling. Do they look like birds to you?! Then again, mountain chickens exist. And I love mountain chickens just for their utterly bizarre and unfitting name. But the poor things are critically endangered, and that makes me sad… What was I talking about? Ladybugs, right.

These are the first ladybugs I'm seeing where they can weaponise electricity though! It's kinda funny that so many creatures utilise 'elements' that one type of Pikmin just so happens to be immune to. Definitely makes me wonder if Yellow Pikmin evolved specifically to counter creatures like this. Maybe we'll get an ultra Pikmin that's immune to all hazards! … Oh, wait. That's Bulbmin.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCES

There are three known members of this family at the time of writing: Scarabum electrodea (Common Anode Beetle), Scarabum electrodea grandiostium (Wide-Mouthed Anode Beetle), and Kampia fulgurtainia (Electripede).

Both the Common and Wide-Mouthed variants of the Anode Beetle resemble ladybugs, with black bodies and large yellow spots on their wings. The primary difference between the two species is the heads - Common Anodes have small heads that barely jut out from the body, while Wide-Mouths have much longer heads with a big visible jaw and red eyes.

Electripedes, as its common name implies, resembles a caterpillar. It has three round and large body segments, and a small head with magenta eyes. Its body is covered in large orange-and-yellow stripes, and each segment has four yellow feelers on top. There are two pairs of small legs on the bottom of its body. It was originally considered to be the larvae form of the Anode Beetle, before it was discovered to be an entirely separate species that ever metamorphoses.

HABITAT

All members of this family reside inside of dimly-lit caves, where their electrical light provides the only natural illumination. Common Anodes are by far the most populous of the known species, being found in caves all over PNF-404 with many types of varying terrain and depth. Wide-Mouths and Electripedes, however, only live in a few select caves made of dirt and rock. None of these habitats overlap.

DIET AND DEFENCES

The diet varies between species. Common Anodes and Electripedes are both herbivorous, feasting on the moss or subterranean leaves that grow deep underground. Wide-Mouths, however, are carnivorous and feast primarily on small insects. They have also been seen scavenging off Dwarf Bulborb carcasses.

All known members of this family are capable of generating electrical charges. For all species, this is accomplished by microscopic hairs on their legs or the puffy fur covering their bodies. The electricity is processed by what can only be described as an internal battery structure, and then stored as an electrical field. How this electricity is emitted upon hitting critical levels depends on the species. Electripedes and Wide-Mouths emit it all over their body, while Common Anodes will transmit a low voltage current to others of their kind.

Regardless of how the electricity is emitted, one thing is consistent - it creates a powerful shock that can hurt other creatures in the vicinity. Smaller creatures can be outright killed by this shock, though most are just stunned with pain.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Members of this family are extremely social animals; they are never seen alone. If one is encountered, more of the same species are sure to be nearby. This is especially true for Common Anodes, which cannot defend themselves from predators without at least one more to connect to. Wide-Mouths and Electripedes can indeed function well enough on their own, but exhibit happy behaviours at much higher rates if they are with others of their kind. They communicate with each other by generating electrical charges, which as previously stated also function as a defence mechanism.

COURTING AND CHILDREARING

All members of this family will mate for life, being one of the few members of the insecta order to do so (this behaviour is not too uncommon in this particular ecosystem, however). They choose their mates by rubbing up against each other and seeing how compatible their electrical charges are. If they succeed at creating a beautiful electrified explosion, they are considered mates. The electrified explosion will not go off if they are not meant to be.

The eggs of all three species require static electricity to survive. Thus, both the male and female will carry the eggs on their backs so they can provide an abundant amount of electricity. The static does not have to be 'fed' to the eggs at all times, but the longer the wait in between zaps the higher the chances of some of them dying. Any hatchlings will stay latched to their parents until they can create their own electrical charges.

OTHER NOTES

The strong bonds and impressive communications that members of this family exhibit are quite astounding for most insects. This, along with many other creatures, demonstrates that the animals on PNF-404 are generally more intelligent than they initially appear.

NOTES FROM OTHER RESEARCHERS

Common Anode Beetle -

The synergy this creature has with others of its kind is remarkable! The electrical bonds they have with each other are strong… and somewhat painful to the touch. If there is only one left, however, they are defenceless. Pretty big flaw, if you ask me. - Alph

Isn't it romantic? Their love for each other is so strong that it is literally electrifying! … Ow. Of course, they could just be really close friends. … OW. You know, I'm kinda glad I'm not so close to the Captain now. Can you imagine if he could electrocute me like- OW! - Brittany

Their electrical targets are a terrifying foe for Pikmin. Eliminating all but one will also eliminate the threat, for a single Beetle is harmless. But would you really want to leave the poor thing on its own for the rest of its life? It almost seems cruel. - Captain Charlie

Wide-Mouthed Anode Beetle -

It drops the dependency of its passive counterpart and aims to devour Pikmin directly! Much more threatening, and a lot less likely to be made harmless because of that. Even one on its own still provides an effective threat. What a great improvement! - Alph

How could they ruin the Anode Beetles like this?! They were so sweet and romantic before, but now they just wanna bite me! On purpose! I don't like this. I don't understand how this planet could ruin a perfectly lovely critter. - Brittany

Peaceful soldiers have their place in a battle, but there's no doubt that the warriors do most of the work. And that's this guy's role. Don't be fooled; it isn't nearly as peaceful as its counterpart. Watch out, or it'll chomp your head off! - Captain Charlie

Electripede -

Mostly harmless. It doesn't really go out of its way to attack anything, only doing so out of self-defence. When you see one in a dark cave, it's actually a good thing! Give them a light tap (preferably with a Yellow Pikmin so you don't touch it yourself), and it'll light up the cave for you! Very useful. - Alph

Not the biggest fan of caterpillars, I have to admit. No, it isn't because 'bugs are gross' or anything like that. I actually think most bugs are kinda cute. But you won't like them, no matter how cute they are, when they KEEP EATING YOUR WORK! - Brittany

Don't bother with hurting them. They're totally harmless, as long as you keep your distance. Instead, you want to strike them with Yellow Pikmin. Not too hard, mind you. Just hard enough so it lights up the way! If only we could tame one. It would make navigating these caves a lot less painful... - Captain Charlie

Author Notes - I'm running out of witty segways here, so just deal with me saying that the Snitchbugs are next.