Hey there, fellow Stylists! So, you're diving deep into the vibrant world of Infinity Nikki in 2026, and you've hit a bit of a roadblock with your crafting. Trust me, I've been there. One of the most immersive and, let's be honest, sometimes frustrating parts of exploring Miraland is tracking down all the unique critters for those essential outfit sketches. You know the drill—some resources are a walk in the park, while others, like the elusive Mani Beetle, make you want to pull your hair out. Don't worry, though; I've got your back. I've spent more hours than I care to admit scouring the Wishing Woods, and I'm here to share all the pro-tips you need to become a Mani Beetle-catching master. Let's get into it!

Where on Earth (or Miraland) Do I Find These Guys?

First things first, location, location, location! Mani Beetles are what we call a semi-rare insect in the game. You won't find them just anywhere. They are exclusive to one specific area: the Wishing Woods in the Wishfield region. This means you gotta put in the work, fam. You need to progress through the main story questline until you reach at least Chapter 6. Once you help Timis clear the path to the Wish Inspection Center, the whole Wishing Woods—home of the adorable Faewish Sprites—opens up for exploration. It's a bit of a grind, but the payoff is worth it for the crafting materials you'll unlock.

Now, here's the good news: once you're in the Wishing Woods, these pink beetles are relatively abundant. You won't find them in the grass or flying around, though. They have a very specific vibe. Look for big, overturned tree trunks. That's their favorite hangout spot. And here's a pro tip that'll save you time: they're usually found in pairs, dueling each other with their little spear-shaped horns. It's pretty cute, honestly, and it means you can often snag two at once! How's that for efficiency?

The Art of the Catch: Don't Scare 'Em Away!

Alright, you've spotted your target. Now, don't just go running in like a bull in a china shop! Like most bugs in Infinity Nikki, Mani Beetles are skittish and will flee if you get too close. You need to channel your inner ninja. Here's the step-by-step:

1. Equip the Right 'Fit: Open your ability wheel and select your Afternoon Shine ability outfit. If you have a fashionable variant in your wardrobe that grants the same catch ability, feel free to flex your style with that instead. Looking good while resource gathering is half the fun!

2. Slow and Steady: Approach the beetles slowly. No sudden movements!

3. Net 'Em: Use your net to catch one. If you're lucky and they're dueling, you might just snag both in one swoop! 🎯

Successfully catching them rewards you with the Mani Beetle itself and some Bug-Catching Insight. But wait, there's more!

Level Up Your Grind: Essence & The Infinity Grid

If you really want to maximize your haul, you need to tap into the power of the Heart of Infinity Grid. There's a specific node on the north side of the grid that, once unlocked, allows you to gather Mani Beetle Essence from every bug you catch in the Wishing Woods. This essence is a game-changer for high-level crafting.

Feeling like your Insight stats are holding you back? No sweat. Make it a daily habit to use your Vital Energy at the Realm of Nourishment. You can access it from any Warp Spire. This boosts your stats way faster, making essence farming a breeze. It's a total no-brainer.

High-Tech Hunting: Using the Map Tracker

Wandering around hoping to stumble on logs is so 2025. In 2026, we use technology! Your Map has a killer tracking feature that's a total lifesaver.

1. Open your Map.

2. Tap the book icon in the bottom-left corner to open the Collections menu.

3. Navigate to the bug tab and find the Mani Beetle entry.

4. Select it, and voilà! The map will highlight the nearest location for you.

And here's the real kicker: if you're a dedicated hunter and gather at least 50 Mani Beetles, you can upgrade the tracker to 'Precise Tracking.' This bad boy shows you all the approximate spawn locations on the map. Talk about a quality-of-life upgrade!

Passive Income: Let Your Pear-Pal Do the Work

Sometimes you just wanna chill, right? I feel you. That's where the Dig, Pear-Pal feature comes in clutch. For a small fee of Bling, your Pear-Pal will passively dig up materials you've already discovered, including Mani Beetles.

You can get up to 5 of any material every 24 hours this way. My advice? Set it and forget it! Make checking and setting your Dig, Pear-Pal a part of your daily login routine. It's the easiest way to build a stockpile without lifting a finger.

The Last Resort: The In-Game Store

Okay, let's say you're in a serious pinch. You need Mani Beetles now for a time-limited crafting event or something. There is an option, but use it wisely. Head to the in-game store and go to the 'Resonance' tab. Here, you can buy Mani Beetles for 8 Tranquility Droplets each.

A quick reminder on Droplets: you get these from pulling duplicate outfit pieces that are 4-Star and below. They're a valuable currency. Personally, I'd save my Droplets for premium items like Shiny Bubbles, Revelation/Resonite Crystals, or extra Bling. Using them on farmable materials like Mani Beetles is kinda like using your emergency fund to buy coffee—doable, but maybe not the smartest long-term play. Only go this route if you're truly desperate.

Final Pro-Tips & Recap

Let's wrap this up with a quick checklist to make sure you're set:

• Prerequisite: Unlock Wishing Woods (Chapter 6+).

• Location: Overturned tree trunks in the Wishing Woods.

• Catch Method: Afternoon Shine outfit, slow approach, use net.

• Pro-Gamer Move: Unlock the Essence node on the Infinity Grid.

• Daily Grind: Use Vital Energy at the Realm of Nourishment; run Dig, Pear-Pal.

• Tech Help: Use and upgrade your Map Tracker after 50 catches.

• Last Resort: Buy from Resonance store with Tranquility Droplets (not recommended).

Stick to this guide, and you'll have a mountain of Mani Beetles in no time. Happy hunting, and may your crafting always be successful! Remember, in Miraland, a prepared Stylist is a powerful Stylist. Catch you in the Wishing Woods! ✨