Autumnal Bulborb

The orange-backed Autumnal Bulborb is in many aspects similar to most other grub-dogs, though its smaller stature and somewhat elongated features set it apart. Unlike most of its nocturnal relatives, the Autumnal Bulborb is only asleep for the first half of the day; afterward, it will awaken and begin to patrol a small area of territory. When approached, this creature will aim its sights at a leader or their Pikmin. Once it has locked on target, it will step back and then make a rapid dash forwards, snapping up Pikmin in its jaws as it approaches. However, if it misses, it will stumble and fall flat on its face, leaving it vulnerable to a counterattack.

=In other games=

In Pikmin: Wide World
The Autumnal Bulborb appears in Pikmin: Wide World as a grub-dog that is exclusive to Ancient Metalworks and its caves. No dwarf counterpart of it is encountered, although the creature's diminished size may make it appear to be a dwarf counterpart of a larger bulborb. Autumnal Bulborbs are notable because of their charging attack and sleep schedule. They sleep for the first half of the day, but once midday strikes they awaken and begin patrolling a small territory for the rest of the day. Before noon, touching or harming an Autumnal Bulborb will wake it up and cause it to give chase. Upon seeing a leader or Pikmin at a distance, an Autumnal Bulborb will step back before opening its jaws and charging forward, eating any Pikmin that end up in its mouth and plowing aside anything that does not. If this attack misses its targets, the Autumnal Bulborb will trip and skid along the ground until it slows to a stop, where it rises to its feet. Leaders that are in its mouth will be chewed up and then spat out alongside any Pikmin in its mouth. Up close, an Autumnal Bulborb will simply pursue its prey. If leaders or Pikmin exit its territory, an Autumnal Bulborb will return to its slumber or resume its normal behavior, depending on the time of day. If an Autumnal Bulborb is already awake by noon, it will remain awake for the rest of the day. Autumnal Bulborbs that are found underground can be found awake or asleep.

Autumnal Bulborbs are distinct from other bulborbs because of their elongated facial structure, but otherwise resemble most others of their kind. They are also smaller than most other bulborbs, being only slightly larger than a dwarf bulborb. Autumnal Bulborbs have a light-colored face, an orange back with white spots, and brown eyes with white sclerae. They have a pair of white fangs, and each of its four toes terminates in a white claw.

Defeating an Autumnal Bulborb is usually no difficult task. Although they cannot be instantly killed by throwing a Pikmin onto their back, Pikmin can be thrown at their eyes to make them flinch and release any Pikmin currently in their mouth. Its most dangerous attack is its charge, but it can be dodged, and the creature is vulnerable while it is getting up. Upon defeat, an Autumnal Bulborb will yield. Aboveground, its corpse can be taken either to the Dolphin Lander for or to the Master Onion for six Pikmin seeds. Underground, its body can be taken to the Lander Pod to either immediately receive or be saved for later to gain six Pikmin seeds from the Master Onion, but only if the cave is exited using an escape geyser.

Olimar's notes

 * "This creature's smaller stature is caused by hereditary dwarfism. Previously, members of this species were the size of other bulborbs, but have since shrunken. Because of this, they resemble the dwarf counterparts a number of members of their family have. They are much more mobile than any dwarf, however, and also possess a body shape, set of behavioral patterns, and sleep schedule that sets them apart from other bulborbs."

Shacho's notes

 * "This grub-dog would make for a great security force once midday rolls around. They'd go after intruders and my employees! ...I wouldn't mind that, though, if those employees slack off too much."

Marie's notes

 * "Autumnal bulborbs are an excellent companion for owners with a set sleeping schedule. They have a smaller stature, which means they weigh less and more than likely can sleep in the same bed as their owner! Warmth and cuddles."

Louie's notes

 * "Its meat is perfect for burgers. Cook on an open barbeque, seasoning as necessary. Serve between two buns with ketchup, mustard, and other condiments or ingredients, and enjoy!"

Dolphin Lander's notes

 * "What an interesting grub-dog! Its size and head shape are so much different than others of its kind. Its size causes it to resemble a dwarf bulborb, but it is in fact fully-grown."