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 in Pokémon Go 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 in Pokémon Go.
Here's our list of the best bug Pokémon in Pokémon Go.
1. Mega Beedrill
- Fast attack: Bug bite
- Charged attack: X-scissor
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 in Pokémon Go, but its mega evolution is also one of the best bugs out there.
Mega Beedrill has a maximum CP of 3,824, but that's not the main attraction here. Instead, what you need to pay attention to is the devastating 303 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 / Shadow Scizor / Scizor
- Fast attack: Fury cutter
- Charged attack: X-scissor
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 in Pokémon Go if you ask us.
Mega Scizor can reach a monstrous CP of 4,621, which very few can beat on this list, and it has a nice 279 attack stat, backed by a juicy 250 defense and 172 HP, ensuring it can withstand a hit as well as dish out some damage. Without question, it's fury cutter and x-scissor that you want to use for Mega Scizor's moves, though bullet punch and iron head are some steel-type options if you want more of a mix.
If you don't have Mega Scizor, Shadow Scizor is also one of the best bug Pokémon you can get, with that extra 20% increase in damage being so good that losing 20% of its defense means very little, especially as Scizor has some good base defense anyway. Just like with Mega Scizor, it's best to use fury cutter and x-scissor.
Finally, 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
- Fast attack: Bug bite
- Charged attack: Bug buzz
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 strong 'mon on your team that can do some damage with a nice 264 attack stat, matched with a maximum CP of 4,106.
While Volcarona's best fast attack is bug bite without question, the best charged attack you can give it is actually overheat, a fire Pokémon move. So, you can have a mixture to increase the number of types you can do damage to, or you can opt to have bug buzz as your charge attack to have only bug-type moves. If you come across a Volcarona, check out our fire Pokémon weakness guide to see how you can deal with it.
4. Vikavolt
- Fast attack: Bug bite
- Charged attack: X-scissor
Vikavolt doubles as both a bug and electric Pokémon, which opens you up to numerous moves that you can bring together to inflict high damage on numerous types. We recommend you have bug bite for your fast attack, as that's the best one possible. However, the bug-type charged attack Vikavolt can have, x-scissor, isn't the best once available, both fly and discharge are more powerful, so that's something to think about if you also want to deal some electric- or flying-type damage.
Regarding its CP, Vikavolt can reach 3,524, while its attack stat sits pretty at 254. Admittedly, Vikavolt isn't the best option on this list, but considering that many of the best bug Pokémon are mega evolutions, you might have a better shot at getting Vikavolt. To make sure Vikavolt doesn't electrocute you, take a look at our electric Pokémon weakness guide.
5. Mega Pinsir / Shadow Pinsir
- Fast attack: Fury cutter
- Charged attack: X-scissor
Mega Pinsir is by far one of the best bug Pokémon in Pokémon Go, boasting a massive maximum CP of 4,728, with a 305 attack stat and 231 defense, meaning not only can it dish out an aggressive offense, it can also withstand some damage.
Fury cutter and x-scissor are the best attacks for Mega Pinsir, though bug bite is also a solid option for its fast attack. While Mega Pinsir has access to some fighting Pokémon moves like superpower and close combat, these moves aren't as powerful as the bug-type moves. So, this is one of those occasions where it really is only worth having Mega Pinsir if you're happy for it to just use bug Pokémon moves. Since you're clearly after a strong 'mon like this, we imagine you're okay with that.
While Mega Pinsir is easily one of the more desirable options, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that Shadow Pinsir is also a viable option, with that lovely 20% increase in attack prowess coming in the clutch. Shadow Pinsir can reach 3,345 CP with a 238 attack stat, so it can definitely still hold its own. Like Mega Pinsir, it's best to just equip Shadow Pinsir with those trusty bug-type moves.
6. Escavalier
- Fast attack: Bug bite
- Charged attack: Megahorn
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 can reach 3,266 CP with 223 attack, 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 also unique in that while there is a very good bug-type charged attack for it, it's actually a water-type move that proves to be its best option. So, if you want a bug Pokémon that can also use razor shell, this is your best option.
7. Mega Heracross
- Fast attack: Struggle bug
- Charged attack: Megahorn
Okay, if you ask us, Mega Heracross is the best bug Pokémon in Pokémon Go, period. This beetle is an absolute beast, reaching a staggering 5,443 CP, with 334 attack, 223 defense, and 190 HP. Mega Heracross is a scary bug to encounter, so you should endeavor to make sure it's on your side.
As for its moves, if you want only bug-type moves, go for stuggle bug as your fast attack and megahorn as your charged attack. However, this is one of those occasions where we don't recommend the bug-type move for your fast option. Instead, we suggest you embrace the fact that Mega Heracross is also a fighting Pokémon and equip it with counter. Remember, if you want to know how to knock out Mega Heracross, check out our fighting Pokémon weakness guide.
8. Yanmega
- Fast attack: Bug bite
- Charged attack: Megahorn
Yanmega is both a bug and a flying Pokémon, being one of the best bug Pokémon options in Pokémon Go outside of mega evolutions, shadow variants, and legendaries, meaning it's one of your more viable options earlier in your journey.
Overall, Yanmega can reach 3,330 CP, with 231 attack, 156 defense, and 200 HP behind it, making it quite a good all-rounder. Bug bite and bug buzz are the best moves to equip it with, but wing attack is also a viable option for its fast attack if you want a bit of variety in the types you can be super effective against. 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
- Fast attack: Fury cutter
- Charged attack: X-scissor
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. For clarity, Genesect has four forms beyond its base one, and those are Shock Drive, Chill Drive, Burn Drive, and Douse Drive.
Regardless of which iteration of Genesect you use, the best bug-type moves for it are fury cutter as its fast move and x-scissor for its charged. However, it's worth pointing out that while Genesect causes all sorts of problems with those moves, its best attacks are actually metal claw and magnet bomb, which it can use due to doubling as a steel Pokémon.
Regardless of which version of Genesect you use, it has a maximum CP of 3,791, while its attack, defense, and HP stats sit at 252, 199, and 174, respectively.
There you have it, the best bug Pokémon in Pokémon Go. Now go out there and catch 'em all!