Metroid Database Bestiary

The Plated Beetle is a burrowing insect with an impermeable carapace. This creature is only vulnerable in the rear abdomen. Unlike its lesser cousin, the Plated Beetle can repel frontal attacks. It prefers to impale its prey upon its six sharp horns. Only surfacing when it detects vibrations above, it then maneuvers itself so as always to face its rival, keeping its exposed abdomen protected.

It has a invulnerable helmet, so you must lock on and quickly side-step to get behind the creature. Aim at its red behind and blast away with any charged beam. If you shoot it with the Plasma Beam or a Wavebuster, it will have a distinctly different death animation.

The Plated Beetle is first encountered in the Ruined Shrine, and acts as a "guardian" to the Morph Ball. After collecting it, they will appear as normal enemies in the Main Plaza.