Kikaichū

are a species of small, beetle-like insects that are bred and utilized by the Aburame clan for their unique techniques. In the series, it is shown that the Aburame clan live in symbiosis with the Kikaichū through the Hiden Jutsu Destruction Bug Host Technique. The Aburame clan, shortly after birth, allows the Kikaichū to live them to live and breed inside the their bodies, and in return, the host ninja receives the life-long ability to control and command the bugs, using them as their primary fighting technique.

The Kikaichū are small, beetle-like insects, they are able to fly, typically moving in swarms when on the attack, or in smaller numbers when practicing stealth. A female bug can be left on a target and then they can be tracked by smell, or scout bugs can be sent out and return to tell the host information about the area. Thanks to the kikaichū, Aburame clan members are experts in communication and espionage, due to their ability to communicate with the insects, stealth because the Kikaichū make no noise or motion during combat, as well as in search-and-seizure missions.

The kikaichū are always undergoing evolutionary adaption through mutation and natural selection. While the kikaichū only have a lifespan of a few hours, their lifecycle ensures that there will always be females with eggs. Any variations that prove useful to the individual bug, and consequently the bug-user, in combat such as immunities will be passed on to the next generation, which can then be cultivated for their success against dangerous opponents in combat. If a any number of the kikaichū are killed Secret Technique: Insect Cocoon can be used to rapidly breed a new generation of kikachū. With the immunities gained from the kikaichū can be used a defense mechanism by exerting chakra can render the original source of the immunities useless or destroy it on contact. For example, when the kikachū gained immunities to Guren's unique Crystal Release, they were unable to be crystallized, and able to shatter her techniques on contact.

The most common use of the kikachū in combat is to ambush an opponent and drain them of their chakra before they notice the bugs at work. This process can leave them with so little chakra to leave then unable to fight and thus killed or taken for questioning. Other uses include simply tracking a target, a protective shield and a prison to hold a target in place.