Bug Pokémon get a bad wrap, and it's not like they really deserve it. I blame Misty; she helped an entire generation of trainers develop an aversion to bugs. Still, we're here to tell you that you might want to consider making space for one on your team, as the best bug Pokémon can cause all kinds of problems. You just have to ignore the fact that they can sting or bite you.
Of course, we understand that bugs aren't for everyone, and if you happen to be part of the 'kill it with fire' group, perhaps you should consult the best fire Pokémon.
Here's our list of the best bug Pokémon in Pokémon Go.
1. Mega Beedrill
- Mega ability: Adaptability
Float like a Butterfree, sting like Beedrill. The latter of those two 'mon certainly packs a punch in its stinger, as evidenced by its place among the best poison Pokémon, but its mega evolution is also one of the best bugs out there.
Mega Beedrill has a base speed stat of 145, but that's not the main attraction here. Instead, what you need to pay attention to is the devastating 150 attack stat that it has, meaning this bee can inflict a world of pain on its foes.
Regarding bug-type moves, it's best to give Mega Beedrill bug bite and x-scissor for its fast attack and charged attack, respectively. However, its best available moves are actually the poison-type ones, poison jab and sludge. So, that's something to consider: you can get the best of both worlds by having one attack of each type if you wish. Whatever you choose, you have one of the best bug Pokémon out there. If you need the antidote to Beedrill's poison, make sure you read our poison Pokémon weakness guide.
2. Mega Scizor / Scizor
- Abilities: Swarm, Technician
- Mega abilities: Technician
Scizor is a fantastic choice if you not only happen to be after a bug-type, but a steel Pokémon too. However, it's Mega Scizor that you truly want if possible, as it's in the top three bug Pokémon if you ask us.
Mega Scizor has another enormous attack base stat at 150, and it also has huge defense levels at a base of 140. Just plain 'ol Scizor is also a reasonable option, so don't worry if you can only get the base version of this bug- and steel-type hybrid. To steal the show and put Scizor down, take a look at our steel Pokémon weakness guide.
3. Volcarona
- Abilities: Flame Body, Swarm (hidden)
Volcarona is a unique blend of the bug- and fire-types, meaning 'eek, kill it with fire' doesn't really help you here. However, if you learn to make nice with this bug Pokémon, you'll soon find that you have a very well-rounded 'mon on your side.
At an attack speed of 135, and other high speed stats, Volcarona can move around. Despite slightly less exciting HP, attack, and defense numbers, they're still high enough to put Volcarona on this list. If you come across a Volcarona, check out our fire Pokémon weakness guide to see how you can deal with it.
4. Vikavolt
- Abilities: Levitate
Vikavolt doubles as both a bug and electric Pokémon, which opens you up to a ton of moves that you can bring together to inflict high damage on numerous types, including Supercell Slam and Solar Beam.
Vikavolt, though a slow unit, hits quickly, so repeated attacks are your best bet here. And while it isn't the best option on this list, considering that many of the best bug Pokémon are mega evolutions, you might have a better shot at getting it. To make sure Vikavolt doesn't electrocute you, take a look at our electric Pokémon weakness guide.
5. Mega Pinsir / Pinsir
- Abilities: Hyper Cutter, Mold Breaker, Moxie (hidden)
- Mega abilities: Aerilate
Mega Pinsir is by far one of the best bug Pokémon, boasting a massive 155 attack stat and 120 defense, meaning not only can it dish out an aggressive offense, it can also withstand some damage. Even the regular Pinsir has a 125 attack stat, meaning you don't have to bend over backwards to get a good unit.
Both Pinsir and Mega Pinsir can learn a lot of cool moves, including bug, fighting, rock, and flying ones - for a successful setup, make sure you have it learn Close Combat, as this is one of the most useful moves for such a tanky lad.
6. Escavalier
- Abilities: Swarmm Shell Armor, Overcoat
Escavalier isn't quite as good as some of the other options on this list, but it's a bug Pokémon that's a bit easier to get your hands on than all of the mega evolutions on this list. It has a base attack of 135, so while it doesn't set the world on fire, it's still plenty capable of getting the job done while you wait to encounter any of the big boys from this guide.
Escavalier is, unfortunately, pretty slow, as its base speed stat sits at a measly 20. Make sure you combine this 'mon with swifter, more versatile units for maximum success.
7. Mega Heracross / Heracross
- Abilities: Swarm, Guts, Moxie (hidden)
- Mega abilities: Skill Link
Mega Heracross is very beloved by all, and mainly because it's a monster of a unit. This beetle is an absolute beast, starting at a staggering 185 base attack, with very decent defense stats to boot. Mega Heracross is a scary bug to encounter, so you should endeavor to make sure it's on your side.
Heracross, while nothing to write home about, is an easier unit to get your hands on, and won't require you to spend everything you have to capture it. Remember, if you want to know how to catch Mega Heracross, check out our fighting Pokémon weakness guide.
8. Yanmega
- Abilities: Speed Boost, Tinted Lens, Frisk
Yanmega is both a bug and a flying Pokémon, being one of the best bug Pokémon options in any game outside of mega evolutions and legendaries, meaning it's one of your more viable options earlier in your journey.
Overall, Yanmega has pretty solid base stats making it quite a good all-rounder. It excels at speed, so you may want to consider paring it with the likes of Escavalier. As Yanmega is more than just a bug, it's best to check out our flying Pokémon weakness guide for some tips on how to beat it.
9. Genesect
- Abilities: Download
Of course the legendary bug Pokémon is on this list, how could it not be? Especially considering every single form of Genesect is lethal, cementing it as one of the best critters you can get your hands on.
It has an excellent set of base stats, from its lowest at 71 HP, and its highest at both attack and attack speed at 120. Genesect is the all-rounder of all-rounders, and, providing you can keep it healthy enough, will always be there for you - powerful, speedy, and steadfast all at once.
10. Scolipede and Mega Scolipede
- Abilities: Poison Point, Swarm, Quick Feet/Speed Boost (hidden)
Scolipede recently got itself a pretty mega upgrade, if you catch our drift. It was already pretty impressive, boasting 112 speed and 100 attack on its base stats, but now that its Mega form is here, we can't not add it to our list. Mega Scolipede starts out with 140 attack and a whopping 149 defense, making it a great pick for a Bug-type on your team.
Its moveset is pretty diverse, too, with plenty of Bug and Poison moves, as well as a healthy smattering of Rock and Normal ones, too. Use this multipedal friend well.