Anode Beetle

Anode Beetles are small black beetles with four yellow spots on their wing casings. They are named 'anode' due to the fact that they produce electrical currents if another one is nearby. This creature is blissfully unaware of Pikmin, and if found alone, they are harmless; but if there is a partner nearby, they can produce an electrical barrier between them, making any nearby Pikmin subject to electrocution. As such, they are commonly found in groups of 2 or more. Swarming will not harm it, as it has a protective shell, similar to the Flint Beetles. To harm it, one must throw a Pikmin on top of it to flip it over, then proceed to swarm it. Purple Pikmin can cause them to flip over even if not directly hit.

Olimar's Notes
This specimen is representative of an insect hybrid that uses electricity in addition to glycogen for its energy. Although difficult to confirm due to their microscopic size, tiny hairs on the creature's legs cause the friction that generates the electrical charge. The electrical charge is processed by the creature's internal mechanical battery structure, and then stored as a dues electrical field. As this field reaches critical levels, surplus electricity is emitted, resulting in a low voltage current that is transmitted between specimens. It can shock other creatures in the immediate vicinity. Considering this process, it can be surmised that the largest impetus to pack behavior is not so for energetic effect of producing as a pack as it is to take advantage of this most effective means of group power.

Louie's Notes
Drain the electrical charge before boiling. Although it is possible to eat an Anode Beetle while it is charged, doing so may result in an unpleasant tingling sensation.

Locations

 * Crystal Falls
 * Subatomic Scaffolding
 * Dark Circuit Maze - All sublevels
 * Volatile Minefield

Behavior
The Anode Beetle acts mostly the same as Pikmin 2 but can randomly spark dangerous electricity while flipped.

In Pikmin Forever
In Pikmin Forever, Anode Beetles have better graphics and behaviors, reflecting light colors. They will usually gather in groups of 3-5 near electrical sources, be it gates, wires, bulbs, or other electrical enemies besides other Anode Beetles. This enemy can be defeated much like they can in the 2nd game, as throwing a pikmin on top of it will cause it to flip over. If a Rock pikmin is thrown on it, it will cause its exoskeleton to shatter, exposing its back which is much like the armored cannon beetles except yellow. An Anode Beetle in this state gives off a small yellow glow in dark areas, and is no longer vulnerable to non-yellows, as it gives off electricity constantly. They can generate electricity on their own in this state, but if it still has its wing casing, it will need a partner to generate a barrier.