Bug Type

The Bug type (Japanese: むしタイプ Bug Type) is one of the eighteen Pokemon types. Bug-type Pokemon are characterized by their insect, arachnid, and arthropod features, representing beetles, butterflies, moths, spiders, and various other invertebrates. Bug-types are notable for early-game accessibility, three-stage evolutionary patterns with cocoon stages, and powerful late-game competitive threats.[1]

Overview

AttributeDetails
IntroducedGeneration I
Number of Pokemon90+
Notable TrainersBugsy, Burgh, Viola, Guzma
Common HabitatsForests, meadows, caves, tropical regions
Unique PropertyEarly-game availability in most regions

Type Effectiveness

Offensive

EffectivenessAgainst Types
Super Effective (2x)Psychic, Grass, Dark
Not Very Effective (0.5x)Fire, Fighting, Poison, Flying, Ghost, Steel, Fairy
No Effect (0x)—

Defensive

EffectivenessFrom Types
Weak To (2x)Fire, Flying, Rock
Resistant To (0.5x)Grass, Fighting, Ground
Immune To (0x)—

Key Note: Competitive Utility

Bug-type's super effectiveness against Psychic and Dark types provides valuable coverage, while Bug-type moves like U-turn offer momentum control regardless of damage dealt. The type's defensive profile is generally poor, with seven resistances in offense but only three in defense.[2]

Characteristics

Common Traits

TraitDescription
AppearanceExoskeletons, multiple legs, antennae, wings
AbilitiesSwarm, Compound Eyes, Tinted Lens
HabitatForests, grassy areas, caves
BehaviorSwarm mentality, metamorphosis

Special Properties

PropertyEffect
Early-Game PresenceMost regions have Bug-types within first routes
Cocoon EvolutionsMany Bug-types have middle-stage cocoon forms
Three StagesCommon three-stage evolution lines
Fast Early LevelsMany Bug-types evolve quickly (level 7-10)

Notable Bug-Type Pokemon

Pseudo-Legendary Status

Bug-type has no true pseudo-legendary Pokemon meeting the 600 BST, three-stage evolution criteria. This makes Bug-type unique among types commonly associated with powerful late-game threats.[3]

However, Volcarona is sometimes considered a "pseudo-pseudo-legendary" due to:

  • 550 BST (just below 600)
  • Two-stage evolution
  • Late-game availability (level 59 in Black/White)
  • Dominant competitive presence

Legendary/Mythical

PokemonTypeGenerationNotable Role
GenesectBug/SteelVMythical Pokemon, modified by Team Plasma
———No pure Bug legendary exists

Note: Genesect remains the only legendary/mythical Bug-type Pokemon, making Bug one of the rarest types among legendary Pokemon.

Iconic Bug-Types

PokemonTypeNotable For
ButterfreeBug/FlyingIconic Kanto butterfly, early-game staple
BeedrillBug/PoisonAggressive bee Pokemon, Mega Evolution
ScytherBug/FlyingPre-evolution to Scizor, bladed arms
ScizorBug/SteelTrade evolution, competitive staple
HeracrossBug/FightingMegahorn user, Mega Evolution
VolcaronaBug/FirePseudo-legendary status, Quiver Dance sweeper
VikavoltBug/ElectricAlola regional Bug, special attacker
PheromosaBug/FightingUltra Beast, extreme Speed and Attack
BuzzwoleBug/FightingUltra Beast, massive physical bulk

Competitively Notable

PokemonNotable For
VolcaronaQuiver Dance sweeper, OU staple
ScizorTechnician Bullet Punch, U-turn pivot
GenesectDownload boost, U-turn momentum
BuzzwolePhysical wall, Beast Boost sweeper
PheromosaBlinding Speed, fragile sweeper
KleavorHisuian evolution, Sharpness ability
FrosmothIce/Bug, Quiver Dance setup
Iron MothBug Tera Type for coverage

Ultra Beasts

Bug-type has two Ultra Beasts, both Bug/Fighting:

PokemonRoleBase Stats
PheromosaSpeed demon (151 Speed)570 BST
BuzzwolePhysical wall (139 HP, 139 Def)570 BST

These represent opposite ends of the physical spectrum: extreme offense vs extreme defense.[4]

Common Bug-Type Moves

Physical Moves

MovePowerAccuracyEffect
Megahorn12085%High power Bug physical
First Impression90100%Priority +2, first turn only
U-turn70100%Switches user out
X-Scissor80100%Standard Bug physical
Leech Life80100%Drains 50% of damage dealt
Pin Missile2595%Hits 2-5 times
Bug Bite60100%Eats target's Berry
Fury Cutter4095%Doubles power with consecutive hits

Special Moves

MovePowerAccuracyEffect
Bug Buzz90100%May lower Sp. Def by 10%
Signal Beam75100%May confuse target
Pollen Puff90100%Heals allies in doubles
Silver Wind60100%May raise all stats (10%)
Struggle Bug50100%Lowers Sp. Atk of targets
Infestation20100%Traps for 4-5 turns
Attack Order90100%High crit ratio (Vespiquen)

Status Moves

MoveEffect
Sticky WebEntry hazard, lowers Speed
Quiver Dance+1 Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, Speed
Tail Glow+3 Sp. Atk (Volbeat)
String ShotLowers Speed by 2 stages
Rage PowderDraws attacks in doubles
Defend Order+1 Def and Sp. Def (Vespiquen)
Heal OrderHeals 50% HP (Vespiquen)

Signature Moves

MovePokemonDetails
First ImpressionGolisopodPriority +2, first turn only
Pollen PuffRibombeeHeals allies, damages foes
Attack OrderVespiquen90 power, high crit
Fell StingerBeedrill+3 Attack if KOs target

Bug-Type Specialists

Gym Leaders

TrainerRegionSignature PokemonGeneration
BugsyJohtoScytherII
BurghUnovaLeavannyV
ViolaKalosVivillonVI

Team Leaders

TrainerTeamNotable Pokemon
GuzmaTeam Skull (Alola)Golisopod, Masquerain

Elite Four/Champions

TrainerRegionNotable Pokemon
AaronSinnoh Elite FourDrapion, Vespiquen
AlderUnova ChampionVolcarona

Note: Alder is notable for being one of the few Champions to have a Bug-type as their signature Pokemon.

Type Combinations

All Bug-Type Combinations

Secondary TypeExample Pokemon
Pure BugPinsir, Kricketune
Bug/FlyingButterfree, Scyther, Vivillon
Bug/PoisonBeedrill, Venomoth, Scolipede
Bug/GrassParas, Parasect, Sewaddle line
Bug/FireVolcarona, Larvesta
Bug/WaterSurskit, Araquanid
Bug/ElectricVikavolt, Charjabug
Bug/GroundNincada, Wormadam-Sandy
Bug/RockShuckle, Crustle, Dwebble
Bug/SteelScizor, Forretress, Genesect
Bug/FightingHeracross, Pheromosa, Buzzwole
Bug/Psychic— (unused)
Bug/IceFrosmoth
Bug/GhostShedinja
Bug/Dragon— (unused)
Bug/Dark— (unused)
Bug/Fairy— (unused)
Bug/Normal— (unused)

Most Common: Bug/Flying

Bug/Flying is the most common Bug-type combination, appearing in regional Bug-type Pokemon across multiple generations:

GenerationPokemonEvolution Pattern
ICaterpie → Metapod → ButterfreeCocoon stage
IWeedle → Kakuna → BeedrillCocoon stage (Bug/Poison)
IILedyba → LedianNo cocoon
IIIWurmple → Silcoon → BeautiflyCocoon stage
VSewaddle → Swadloon → LeavannyCocoon stage (Bug/Grass)
VIScatterbug → Spewpa → VivillonCocoon stage

Notable Combinations

CombinationPokemonSignificance
Bug/SteelScizor, ForretressExcellent defensive typing
Bug/FightingHeracross, BuzzwolePowerful offensive combo
Bug/FireVolcaronaUnique, competitive powerhouse
Bug/GhostShedinjaUnique evolution, Wonder Guard
Bug/IceFrosmothFive weaknesses to Fire

Abilities

Bug-Type Related Abilities

AbilityEffectPokemon
Swarm1.5x Bug power when below 1/3 HPBeedrill, Butterfree
Compound Eyes1.3x accuracyButterfree, Yanmega
Tinted LensDoubles power of not very effective movesYanmega, Sigilyph
Speed Boost+1 Speed each turnNinjask, Scolipede
Technician1.5x power for moves ≤60 powerScizor, Breloom
Shield DustImmune to additional move effectsVivillon, Dustox
Emergency ExitSwitches out below 50% HPGolisopod

Signature Abilities

AbilityPokemonCompetitive Impact
Wonder GuardShedinjaOnly super effective hits work
Speed BoostNinjask, Scolipede+1 Speed every turn
Tinted LensYanmegaDoubles resisted damage
Emergency ExitGolisopodForces switch below 50% HP

Hidden Abilities

PokemonHidden AbilityCompetitive Use
VolcaronaSwarmFlame Body preferred
ScizorLight MetalTechnician preferred
HeracrossMoxie+1 Attack on KO
ScolipedeSpeed BoostExtreme Speed tier

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

StrengthDetails
U-turn AccessMomentum control and pivoting
Sticky WebSpeed control entry hazard
Quiver DancePowerful setup move
Coverage MovesSuper effective vs Psychic/Dark/Grass
Priority MovesFirst Impression (+2 priority)

Weaknesses

WeaknessDetails
Seven ResistancesLimited offensive effectiveness
Fire WeaknessCommon coverage type
Flying WeaknessCommon defensive type
Rock WeaknessStealth Rock compound weakness
Fragile DefensesMany Bug-types have low bulk

Role in Metagame

RoleExamples
Setup SweeperVolcarona, Frosmoth
PivotScizor, Genesect
Entry Hazard SetterShuckle, Ribombee (Sticky Web)
Physical AttackerHeracross, Buzzwole
Priority AttackerScizor (Bullet Punch), First Impression users

U-turn Momentum

U-turn is arguably Bug-type's most important competitive move:

AspectDetails
Power70 BP, guaranteed switch
UsersScizor, Genesect, Volcarona, Lokix
StrategyGain momentum while dealing damage
SynergyVolt Switch (Electric), Flip Turn (Water)
CounterRapid Spin, Pursuit (removed Gen VIII)

This move defines Bug-type's competitive identity as momentum controllers.[5]

Quiver Dance Sweepers

Quiver Dance (+1 Sp. Atk/Sp. Def/Speed) creates devastating sweepers:

PokemonTypeAdditional Coverage
VolcaronaBug/FireFire Blast, Giga Drain
FrosmothBug/IceIce Beam, Giga Drain
Lilligant-HisuiGrass/FightingVictory Dance (similar)
RibombeeBug/FairyMoonblast, Psychic

Sticky Web Strategy

Sticky Web lowers Speed of grounded Pokemon on switch-in:

ComponentPokemonRole
Lead SetterRibombee, AraquanidFast Sticky Web
SweepersCrawdaunt, AzumarillBenefit from Speed control
Removal PreventionTaunt, Magic BounceBlock Defog/Rapid Spin

Special Mechanics

Cocoon Middle Stages

Bug-type is unique in featuring cocoon middle evolutions:

LineStage 1CocoonFinal
CaterpieBugMetapodButterfree
WeedleBug/PoisonKakunaBeedrill
WurmpleBugSilcoon/CascoonBeautifly/Dustox
ScatterbugBugSpewpaVivillon

Cocoon stages typically:

  • Only know Harden
  • High Defense stat
  • Low Speed and offensive stats
  • Evolve quickly (level 7-10)[6]

Three-Stage Bug Evolution

Bug-types commonly feature three-stage evolution lines that evolve early:

PatternExamples
Early First EvolutionLevel 7 (Metapod, Kakuna)
Early Second EvolutionLevel 10 (Butterfree, Beedrill)
Competitive ImplicationsWeak early, peak mid-game

This makes Bug-types accessible for early-game teams but often outclassed late-game.

Vivillon Pattern Variations

Vivillon has 20 different wing patterns based on real-world geographic location:

Variation TypeCountDetermination
Standard Patterns183DS region setting
Event Patterns2Pokeball, Fancy
Competitive ImpactNonePurely cosmetic

This represents the most visual variation for any single Pokemon species.[7]

Shedinja's Wonder Guard

Shedinja has unique mechanics:

AspectDetails
EvolutionNincada → Ninjask + Shedinja (if party space + Pokeball)
HPAlways 1 HP
AbilityWonder Guard (only super effective hits)
WeaknessesFire, Flying, Rock, Ghost, Dark
CountersStatus moves, weather, entry hazards

This makes Shedinja the most unique Bug-type competitively.

Historical Significance

Generation I: Early-Game Dominance

Bug-types established their niche as early-game Pokemon:

PokemonAvailabilityEvolution Speed
CaterpieRoute 2 (Viridian Forest)Level 7, 10
WeedleRoute 2 (version exclusive)Level 7, 10
PinsirSafari ZoneNo evolution
ScytherSafari ZoneNo evolution (Gen II+)

The rapid evolution made Bug-types ideal for early-game teams but led to their "weak type" reputation.[8]

Generation II: Steel Introduction

Steel-type's introduction gave Bug-types valuable resistances:

  • Scyther → Scizor via Metal Coat
  • Forretress introduced as Bug/Steel
  • Bug resists Fighting, giving Bug/Steel excellent defensive typing

Generation IV: Physical/Special Split

The Physical/Special split benefited Bug-types:

  • Bug Buzz introduced (90 BP special move)
  • X-Scissor standardized (80 BP physical)
  • U-turn became universally viable
  • Heracross gained true physical Bug STAB

Generation V: Competitive Renaissance

Generation V introduced several competitive Bug-types:

  • Volcarona (pseudo-legendary status)
  • Genesect (mythical Bug/Steel)
  • Durant (Bug/Steel with Truant)
  • Scolipede (Speed Boost ability)

This marked Bug-type's emergence as a competitive threat.[9]

Generation VII: Ultra Beasts

Pheromosa and Buzzwole established Bug as a viable offensive and defensive type:

  • Pheromosa: 151 Speed, offensive sweeper
  • Buzzwole: Massive bulk, physical wall
  • Beast Boost ability for snowballing

Generation VIII-IX: Momentum Control

Modern generations emphasized Bug-type's utility:

  • First Impression (+2 priority)
  • Golisopod with Emergency Exit
  • Lokix with Tinted Lens
  • Bug Tera Type for coverage (Iron Moth)

Competitive Formats

OU Tier Presence

PokemonRoleKey Features
VolcaronaSweeperQuiver Dance, Flame Body
ScizorPivotTechnician Bullet Punch, U-turn
BuzzwoleWallPhysical bulk, Beast Boost

VGC Usage

PokemonNotable For
AmoongussSpore, Rage Powder (Grass/Bug relation)
AraquanidWater Bubble doubles Water damage
PheromosaHigh-risk glass cannon
ScizorTechnician Bullet Punch priority

UU and Below

PokemonTierNotable For
HeracrossUUGuts wallbreaker
YanmegaUUTinted Lens, Speed Boost
VikavoltRUHigh Sp. Atk, Levitate
FrosmothRUQuiver Dance sweeper

Bug-Type Design Patterns

Early-Game Accessibility

Bug-types appear on early routes in virtually every region:

GenerationEarly BugLocation
ICaterpie/WeedleRoute 2
IILedyba/SpinarakRoute 30
IIIWurmpleRoute 101
IVBurmy/CombeeHoney Trees
VSewaddlePinwheel Forest
VIScatterbugRoute 2
VIIGrubbinRoute 1
VIIIBlipbugRoute 1
IXTarountulaSouth Province

This pattern establishes Bug-types as beginner-friendly but creates a perception of weakness.

Butterfly vs Bee Rivalry

Generation I established a butterfly/bee dichotomy:

AspectButterfly (Butterfree)Bee (Beedrill)
TypeBug/FlyingBug/Poison
StatsSpecial-orientedPhysical-oriented
DesignGentle, powder movesAggressive, stinger moves
MegaNoneMega Beedrill

This design philosophy influenced later Bug-types.

Arthropod Diversity

Bug-type encompasses diverse arthropod inspirations:

InspirationPokemon Examples
ButterfliesButterfree, Vivillon, Frosmoth
BeetlesHeracross, Pinsir, Dwebble
SpidersAriados, Galvantula, Tarountula
MantisesScyther, Lurantis (Grass)
AntsDurant
BeesBeedrill, Vespiquen, Combee
MothsVolcarona, Venomoth

Notable Bug-Type Moments

Competitive History

EventPokemonSignificance
Gen V OUVolcaronaQuiver Dance dominance
Gen VI OUMega PinsirAerilate Return sweeper
Gen VII VGCPheromosaBeast Boost sweeping
Gen VIII OUScizorTechnician pivot staple
Gen IX OULokixTinted Lens First Impression

Infamous Strategies

StrategyDescription
VolcaPassVolcarona Quiver Dance + Baton Pass
Sticky Web TeamsSpeed control for slow sweepers
Choice Band ScizorU-turn momentum with priority
Shedinja StallWonder Guard invulnerability

Bug-Type Trivia

Unique Facts

FactDetails
No Pseudo-LegendaryOnly common type without 600 BST Pokemon
Early EvolutionFastest evolution lines (level 7-10)
Cocoon StagesUnique middle evolution pattern
One MythicalGenesect only legendary/mythical Bug
Most WeaknessesSeven types resist Bug-type moves

Evolution Methods

Several Bug-types have unique evolution conditions:

PokemonEvolution Method
ShedinjaAuto-obtained from Nincada if space/Pokeball
WormadamFemale Burmy at level 20
MothimMale Burmy at level 20
AccelgorTrade Shelmet for Karrablast
EscavalierTrade Karrablast for Shelmet
KleavorBlack Augurite (Legends: Arceus)

Bug-Type Champions

Only one Pokemon Champion uses Bug-type as signature:

ChampionRegionSignature PokemonSignificance
AlderUnovaVolcaronaFirst Bug-type Champion ace

This makes Alder unique in Pokemon history.

See Also

References

  1. ^Bug (type) — Bulbapedia (2024)
  2. ^Bug Type - Smogon University — Smogon University (2024)
  3. ^Pseudo-legendary Pokemon — Bulbapedia (2024)
  4. ^Ultra Beast — Bulbapedia (2024)
  5. ^U-turn - Smogon University — Smogon University (2024)
  6. ^Pokemon Evolution Methods — Bulbapedia (2024)
  7. ^Vivillon (Pokemon) — Bulbapedia (2024)
  8. ^RBY Bug Type — Smogon University (2024)
  9. ^BW Bug Type — Smogon University (2024)
  10. ^Bug Type Pokemon — Serebii.net (2024)