Scatterbug

Like Caterpie, Weedle or Wurmple, Scatterbug represents the larval stage of an insect that has not yet completed its metamorphosis. Its design resembles a caterpillar, with details associated with moth larvae, and the powder covering its body gives it the feature that sets it apart from other similar Pokémon. This powder regulates its temperature and allows it to live in any region and climate. It also uses it to defend itself: when attacked by a bird Pokémon, it expels black scales that cause paralysis when they come into contact with them.

Its black colour and body covered in powdery scales give it a more defensive than aggressive appearance. The English name combines «scatter» and «bug», while the Japanese Kofukimushi refers to powder, the act of blowing and an insect. It occupies the first place in its evolutionary line: on reaching level 9, it evolves into Spewpa, a protective stage that comes before Vivillon. This progression follows the cycle of a larva protecting itself before reaching its adult form.

Scatterbug has no real competitive use outside very restricted formats or a normal playthrough while training it to evolve. Its base stats add up to 200: its Defence stands out slightly at 40, while HP is left at 38, Attack and Speed at 35, Special Attack at 27 and Special Defence at 25. It does not take special hits well and lacks the power to apply pressure.

The most useful ability is Shield Dust, which negates the secondary effect of an attack that hits it. It prevents problems such as a burn, paralysis or a stat drop caused by a move that successfully hits it, but it does not stop status moves that already have that effect as their main target. Compound Eyes increases the Pokémon's Accuracy, and Friend Guard reduces the damage taken by allies, although the latter is a hidden ability.

Its Bug typing lets it hit Grass-, Psychic- and Dark-type Pokémon super effectively, and makes it resist Grass-, Fighting- and Ground-type attacks. In return, it takes super effective damage from Fire, Flying and Rock. Tackle and Bug Bite are its most direct physical options; Stun Spore provides control, but its own frailty makes it difficult to find a safe turn to use it. String Shot can help at the start of a battle, although its effect loses value once the opponent has better answers.

Scatterbug belongs to the Bug Egg Group and has an even gender ratio: 50% female. Its Eggs need 15 cycles to hatch, equivalent to approximately 4080 steps using the usual conversion from cycles to steps. It is an easy species to breed as long as you already have a compatible member of the Bug Egg Group.

Its notable Egg Moves include Poison Powder and Rage Powder. The former adds a status-based damage option; the latter can protect an ally in Double Battles, although Scatterbug's low stats limit its usefulness before evolving.

Its evolution comes very early and does not depend on friendship, an item, a location or a specific move: it evolves into Spewpa upon reaching level 9. Spewpa then evolves into Vivillon upon reaching level 12. Its catch rate is 255, so catching it is trivial even with ordinary Poké Balls and does not require a specific capture strategy.