Skitter Leaf

The Skitter Leaf is an skitterling that resembles a green leaf. These creatures remain camouflaged on the ground until approached by leaders, at which time they attempt to flee with a cricket-like chirp. They are somewhat rare, usually located in very fresh places, such as near or in water or foliage, but they are not worth defeating or recovering. A dangerous relative of the Skitter Leaf is the Desiccated Skitter Leaf.

Olimar's notes

 * "The skitter leaf is a relative of the pond skater that shed its wings and adapted to life on the ground. With no residual traits of its airborne past, the skitter leaf can neither fly nor skit across the surface of the water. The wings have since evolved into the leaflike structure on its back, which serves to hide the skitter leaf through mimicry. It appears quite effective, as few predators can see through this clever disguise."

Louie's notes

 * "The superb amalgamation of juicy meat and leafy greens ensures that the skitter leaf will be the new spinach!"

Alph's comments

 * "Structural flaw: back. I'm in love with this camouflage job. It looks like an ordinary leaf fallen from a tree, and then wham! It starts to move and takes you by surprise. We could learn a lot from the way it uses protective coloration to blend in with its surroundings. I'm thinking of redesigning our space suits, or maybe even the S.S. Drake's hull."

Brittany's comments

 * "Not only do its body and limbs look like leaves—its beady little eyes remind me of fruit. I don't see the point of all that camouflage when they startle at every single thing that gets close."

Charlie's comments

 * "It's totally harmless, but sometimes there is a reason to defeat one. When that happens, the best we can do is to be merciful and land one solid strike on its back. Poor thing."

=In fanon games=

In Pikmin 2: New Year
The Skitterleaf appears in Pikmin 2: New Year. It has a darker appearance and green eyes, but exhibits the same behaviors.

In Pikmin Eco
The Skitter Leaf is a harmless, ground-dwelling insect that returns in Pikmin Eco. They strongly resemble leaves, and remain stationary, blending into nearby foliage. When Pikmin or leaders get close, they emerge and run away in panic.

In Pikmin: Redemption
In Pikmin: Redemption, Skitter Leafs can take a brief flight with their wing-like leaves, and their chirping alerts nearby enemies of the presence of leaders and Pikmin.