Auriferous Dirigibug

The Auriferous Dirigibug is a grounded species of dirigibug appearing in Pikmin: Attack of the Breadbugs. They highly resemble a typical Careening Dirigibug, but are golden in color and lack their signature air sacs. Unlike most of its relatives, the Auriferous Dirigibug doesn't regurgitate an object, such as bomb-rocks, to attack using; instead, it uses its weight to crush Pikmin under it. One is found in front of the entrance to the Spark Territory, and the other in front of the entrance to the Loaf Territory. Battles against them are difficult but yield great rewards. Captain Olimar can help to carry the body of a deceased Auriferous Dirigibug.

Auriferous Dirigibugs are golden in color and shine brilliantly when light shines upon it. They lack the signature air sacs most other dirigibugs possess and navigate by hopping along the ground. Auriferous Dirigibugs mimic objects, specifically treasures, to lure prey such as Breadbugs to them by sitting still. This technique also inadvertently works on Pikmin and leaders alike. They periodically break their disguise by slightly shifting their positions.

An Auriferous Dirigibug won't react to other creatures around it until they attempt to drag or lift it, in which case it will react by making a short leap to try and crush its prey. Auriferous Dirigibugs initially move rather slowly but become progressively faster as they take damage, moving almost twice as fast as they did originally at full health. When defeated, and Auriferous Dirigibug will simply tip and fall over onto its side. Due to an Auriferous Dirigibug's body being only slightly larger and much heavier than a Careening Dirigibug's, Purple Pikmin must be at least partially involved in carrying its body.