Arachnode

The Arachnode is a spider-like enemy in Pikmin 3, and the first arachnid-based enemy in the Pikmin series with an interactable web. While dormant on its web, it resembles a cocoon with a black and yellow striped sphere-shaped body. This shape and coloring comes from the eight legs wrapped tightly around its body; the actual body is a small black orb with yellow circles instead of stripes. Once a Pikmin or Leader gets caught in the web, it uncurls its legs after a while and wanders up to its prey, consuming them quickly once it has reached them. It may also wander around the web freely in order to avoid Pikmin being thrown at it. The web will collapse once the Arachnode is defeated.

Pikmin caught in the web can be saved by whistling at them. This is important especially with a small squad, as Pikmin shaken off by the Arachnode will usually get stuck in the web. Winged Pikmin carrying objects will get stuck in webs that are along their route, making webs the primary obstacle for these types of Pikmin.

Its behavior and anatomy differ from both the Arachnorb and Dweevil family: they both have noticeably longer and thinner legs than the Arachnode, and neither eat Pikmin when fought. The game gives no information as to the relations of the different families.