Armored Cannon Beetle Larva

Armored Cannon Beetle Larvae are enemies that resemble large larvae with some of the similar Armored Cannon Beetle eyes and mouth. They act the same as the Armored Cannon Beetle, but turn and spit at a faster rate and have much less health. Their boulders roll in a straight line but can follow the terrain's curvature. Like the adult Cannon Beetles, they have a blowhole on the top of their head, but it is either non-functional or not as powerful, so Pikmin cannot become stuck in it like with the fully grown beetles. Because Cannon Beetle Larvae lack the thick exoskeletal armor characteristic of the adult beetles, these enemies are vulnerable everywhere on their bodies but can buck the Pikmin off when attacked. They can be manipulated into killing other creatures by making them spit boulders at a leader when they are beside an enemy. Moving out of the way before the rock hits them, the rock can hit the enemy that was behind.

At times, Armored Cannon Larvae might appear buried in the ground, instead of free-roaming. They will never unearth more than half of their body, and will not move from their spot. Though buried Armored Cannon Beetle Larvae cannot move from their spot, their attacks are identical to those of their free-roaming brothers and sisters. Additionally, it is sturdier, being unable to be stunned by Purple Pikmin and having significantly more health.

Olimar's notes

 * "This specimen is a Lithopod larva. This expedition was unable to confirm the existence of any mature lithopods, leading to concerns that the species was extinct on this planet, but the discovery of the creature in larval form eased such concerns. Lithopods, like Flint Beetles, use internal metabacteria to aid chemical digestion. These metabacteria can only survive in certain environments, such as within the body of certain insects, so Lithopod larvae do not contain any metabacteria immediately after hatching. Larvae feed on partially digested ore regurgitated by mature lithopods, ensuring the larvae obtain metabacteria they would not have normally acquired."

Louie's notes

 * "Carefully remove every grain of sand, peel back the exoskeleton, and slurp heartily!"

In Pikmin Eco
The Armored Cannon Beetle Larva is a Lithopod returning in Pikmin Eco, but as with most other previous games, there're no signs of any adult version. Unlike previous adaptations, it isn't found outside of underground caves, making it strictly a subterranean species. It behaves similarly to previous games, and can be defeated (and in this case manipulated) in the same way.