Exploring the Bioluminescence of Glow Pikmin
Keywords:
Video game, Biology, Evolution, Pikmin, BioluminescenceAbstract
Pikmin 4 introduced players to the new Glow Pikmin, nocturnal creatures that have a range of strengths in gameplay to rival existing Pikmin. One of their defining features is their bioluminescence, which allows them to form a Glow Mob – a ball of bioluminescent light – to attack enemies. This paper explores real-world examples of bioluminescence to suggest additional survival advantages related to the evolution of the Glow Pikmin’s bioluminescence.
References
Nintendo (2023) Pikmin 4, [Computer game], Nintendo Switch, Nintendo.
Pikipedia (2025) Glow Pikmin. Available at: https://www.pikminwiki.com/Glow_Pikmin [Accessed: 4 February 2025].
Pikipedia (2024) Glow pellet. Available at: https://www.pikminwiki.com/Glow_pellet [Accessed: 4 February 2025].
Evers, J. (2023) Bioluminescence. Available at: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/bioluminescence/ [Accessed: 5 February 2025].
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (no date) Bioluminescence fact sheet. Available at: https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/edu/materials/bioluminescence-fact-sheet.pdf [Accessed: 11 February 2025].
The Editors of Encyclopedia Brittanica (2025) firefly-insect. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/animal/firefly-insect [Accessed: 10 February 2025].
Chapman, K. (2023) Bioluminescent beasties. Available at: https://edu.rsc.org/everyday-chemistry/how-do-fireflies-produce-light/4017472.article [Accessed: 10 February 2025].
Fu, X. (2024) Image of Aquaticia leii, a species of firefly that lives in Chinese rice paddies. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/fireflies-bioluminescence-glowing-genes-discovery [Accessed: 11 February 2025].
Aguilera, M. (2009) Scientists Discover Bioluminescent ‘Green Bombers’ From the Deep Sea. Available at: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/scientists-discover-bioluminescent-green-bombers-deep-sea [Accessed: 10 February 2025].
Pikipedia (2024) Night expedition. Available at: https://www.pikminwiki.com/Night_expedition [Accessed: 10 February 2025].
Pikmin 4 (2023) Glow Pikmin next to a Lumiknoll. Available at: https://www.pikminwiki.com/Night_expedition#/media/File:P4_Glow_Pikmin_and_Luminol.jpg [Accessed: 10 February 2025].
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (no date) What is bioluminescence? Available at: https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/bioluminescence.html [Accessed: 10 February 2025].
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Danielle Foster
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. All content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (CC-BY 4.0).
