Lurantis

Among flowers and leaves, Lurantis can be mistaken for a plant until it unfolds the sharp petals on its arms. Its appearance combines an orchid flower with a mantis; its resemblance to a Bug-type Pokémon is part of its natural defence. Rather than simply hiding, it imitates that appearance so predators misjudge the risk of getting close.

It spends a great deal of time grooming itself and preserving its colours. Some specimens end up devoting the entire day to the task. The petals have an extremely fine edge and, according to several Pokédex entries, concentrate sunlight to fire beams powerful enough to slice through an iron plate. It also cuts its opponent with movements resembling a dance, an image that explains its category as the Bloom Sickle Pokémon.

Lurantis is the final member of a two-species evolutionary line. It evolves from Fomantis when it levels up to level 34 during the day. The evolution changes a plant-like creature into one with a silhouette closer to that of a mantis and arms ready for combat.

Lurantis is not a common competitive choice. Its stats point towards a slow physical attacker: it has 105 Attack, 90 Defense and 90 Special Defense, but only 45 Speed. Its 70 HP is not enough to let it withstand just any hit either, although it does allow it to switch into attacks it resists.

The ability that defines its sets is Contrary. It reverses stat changes: a decrease becomes an increase, and an increase becomes a decrease. This means that Leaf Storm, which lowers the user's Special Attack, raises that stat when Lurantis uses it. Solar Blade makes better use of its Attack and reaches a power of 125, while Swords Dance can prepare a more powerful physical attack.

The Grass type gives it resistances to Electric, Grass, Ground and Water. On the offensive, it puts particular pressure on Water-, Ground- and Rock-type Pokémon. The problem lies in its five weaknesses: Bug, Fire, Flying, Ice and Poison. In addition, its low Speed lets many opponents hit it first.

It does have a specific niche in double battles with Trick Room, where its 45 Speed stops being a liability. In a standard game, it performs best against defensive Water- or Ground-type opponents, or against teams that give it turns to use Sunny Day and take advantage of Leaf Guard. Outside those situations, its opponents can wear it down or force it out before Contrary has time to stack boosts.

Lurantis belongs to the Grass Egg Group and has an even gender split: 50% female. Its Eggs take 20 cycles to hatch, equivalent to approximately 5355 steps using the usual cycle-to-step conversion. The line shares this group with numerous plant-based species, so breeding specimens to look for a particular nature or ability does not involve any special restrictions.

Its hidden ability is Contrary, an especially valuable option if you want to take advantage of Leaf Storm or combine moves that alter stats. Leaf Guard is also available, preventing status problems in harsh sunlight.

To obtain Lurantis, you have to evolve Fomantis when it levels up to level 34 during the day. The condition is not met at night. Its catch rate is 75: it does not belong to the group of easy-to-catch species, so it is worth bringing enough Poké Balls and weakening it carefully before throwing them. The line yields 2 Attack Effort Values when you defeat Lurantis.