Scornets (ハチスズメ) are tiny hornet-like creatures in Pikmin 3 that are led by the Scornet Maestro.
These enemies are capable of making coordinated formations that are capable of capturing and eventually killing your Pikmin swarm, by skewering them with their pointed mouths. It takes many seconds for the Pikmin to succumb to their injuries; if the Scornets holding them are killed, the Pikmin will be saved.
Notes[]
Pikmin 3 Prima Guide[]
"Scornets are flying creatures that congregate in large swarms. When Scornets attack, they move into a tiny formation and fly toward their enemies. Any Pikmin unfortunate enough to be skewered by a Scornet will be carried around the area until they succumb to their injuries.
Use a large squad of Winged Pikmin to quickly clear out a Scornet Swarm. Gather your Pikmin each time the Scornets move into formation, then resume your attacks when the enemies separate. If any of your Pikmin are skewered by a Scornet, use your Winged Pikmin to defeat the enemy before the skewered Pikmin expires."
Battle Strategy[]
The Scornets are encountered only twice in the game, both times in the Twilight River: once with their queen, the Scornet Maestro, and once in a small swarm near a pile of parts to build a bridge. Using ground-based Pikmin is practically useless; the best way to defeat a swarm is to use a large number Winged Pikmin in order to swarm them. While they are weak and easily defeated on their own, they are not harmless; they are capable of killing Pikmin if they are given enough opportunity to do so.