Leaflings are the end result of a "hybrid" between a Pikmin and other humanoid creatures (Hocotatian and Koppaite respectively). Although their existence has been rumored for many years, as early as the first exploration by Captain Olimar, recent studies by the Rescue Corps had revealed a lot more information regarding the species as a whole.
Biology[]
Description[]
Leaflings are humanoid in shape, standing at around the same height as a standard Hocotatian. As a hybrid creature, they share similarities between them and the native plant-like creatures known as Pikmin, notably having a long stem at the center of the head. Their entire heads, however, as completely covered in hair that resembles leaves, which give the hybrid species its name. This extensional excess of leaves is probably the result of the hybridization.
Different Leaflings have different forms of colorization, usually mirroring that of different types of Pikmin, including those not even found within onions such as the Purple Pikmin. Although mainly accustomed to the planet, they still wear spacesuits and share similar features as they were prior to their "creation".
The earliest known instances of a Leafling.
Reproduction[]
The way a Leafling is created, as described by the Rescue Corps, mainly involves a Hocotatian, Koppaite, or similarly sized humanoid, to be brought over to a Pikmin Onion. Once brought there, the onion will bring them into itself as it would do to other forms of nutritional items. Due to the living nature of the source, rather than being turned into a Pikmin sapling, a Leafling will end up coming out from the top, Pikmin DNA now integrated with the humanoid being.
Behavior[]
Leaflings seemingly hold a strong belief in their Pikmin DNA, and the adaptations that go with it to an almost religious extent: they believe that one can only survive, and thrive, on PNF-404 if they have "the leaves". Those that don't in their minds are incapable of surviving there. This belief extends to the point that they will actively seek out and kidnap Hocotatians, Koppaites, and other humanoid creatures to transform into Leaflings for these reasons, whether or not the person in question truly needs to.
According to the Rescue Corps encounters with a particularly persistent Leafling, they seemingly hold the practice of "Dandori battles" in high regard, even giving back the same kidnapped people they stole if one would defeat them in such battles, which to them would prove how good they are capable at surviving.