Dottler is a Bug/Psychic Pokemon that was introduced along with the Galar Region (Gen VIII). It is the evolved form of Blipbug and the pre-evolution of Orbeetle. This Pokemon relies on it’s psychic powers to monitor its surroundings. Sitting inside its cocoon for a long time without food, it gains Psychic typing in order to survive.
About Dottler
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon: Twilight Wings |
| First appearance in game | Sword/Shield |
| Region | Galar |
| Evolution | Blipbug → Dottler → Orbeetle |
| 1st Evo Requirement | Level 10 |
| Pokedex Entry | As it grows inside its shell, it uses its psychic abilities to monitor the outside world and prepare for evolution. |
Dottler Base stats
| HP | 50 |
| ATTACK | 35 |
| DEFENCE | 80 |
| SP. ATTACK | 50 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 90 |
| SPEED | 30 |
| TOTAL | 335 |
Appearance
Dottler resembles a ladybug pupa and is primarily yellow with shades of blue. On it’s oval yellow face are two goggle-like eyes along with blue whiskers which look like two pointers. Right below its face are four blue legs and the top of its head is a polygonal hat-like cover. On each corner are blue dots, which are also seen on ladybird pupa. These dots are occasionally seen glowing in the 3D model.
Behavior
When a Blipbug evolves into a Dottler, it gains an additional Psychic typing. This is because much like other pupa Pokemon, it also does not move a lot despite having feet. While staying still inside, Dottler uses its Psychic powers to monitor the surroundings. What makes it special is that unlike most other Bug type Pokemon in their pupa stage, Dottler is in that stage for a much longer time. Being in there for such a long time without food or water seems to be the reason for it unlocking its powers.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Due to its Bug and Psychic typing, Dottler has a lot of weaknesses. It is weak to Flying, Rock, Dark, Bug, Fire and Ghost type moves. On the other hand, it resists Ground, Grass and Psychic types, and is also resistant to Fighting type moves but takes a quarter of the normal damage from it.
Best moveset
Due to being a middle stage Pokemon, there is really no reason to use Dottler. Evolving Dottler to Orbeetle can create a decent support character, especially in doubles. If you still insist on using Dottler, this moveset will make it a decent support for other Psychic type Pokemon in your team. Psychic Terrain sets the terrain up, preventing priority moves and increasing the damage of Expanding Force. Reflect acts as a barrier from Physical damage by halving it. Expanding force is your only attacking move. Use it after Psychic terrain to receive a damage boost along with STAB. Finally, none of Dottler’s abilities really benefit it apart from Telepathy in double battles. Because of this, have the ability Swarm and then use Skill Swap to give it to the opponent. This will render their ability useless.
| Psychic Terrain | Reflect |
| Expanding Force | Skill Swap |
How to catch Dottler in Pokemon Go?
Dottler is not yet available to capture in Pokemon Go.
Trivia
- Dottler, along with its evolution Orbeetle, are the only Bug/Psychic type Pokemon so far.
- Dottler is based on a ladybird pupa. It not only evolves into a Pokemon that resembles a ladybird, but also has striking resemblance to a pupa of the same.
- Although the only Psychic type Bug Pokemon, they are not the only Pokemon based on Ladybirds. Ledyba and Ledian are both based on ladybugs but are Bug/Flying types.
FAQs
What is a Dottler?
Dottler is a Bug/Psychic type Pokemon introduced in Gen VIII. It is based on a ladybug pupa.
Can Dottler evolve?
Yes, Dottler evolves into Orbeetle from level 30 onwards.
Is Dottler rare?
Dottler is a pretty common Pokemon. It can be found in Route 5, Giant's Cap, Giant's Mirror, Stony Wilderness Bridge Field, Dappled Grove and Rolling Fields.
Conclusion
While not moving a lot, this Pokemon prepares for evolution inside it’s pupa for a really long time without food or water. Because of this, it gains Psychic powers. Maybe it is because it doesn’t have full control over its powers, it suffers from low offensive power as well as a decent movepool. This is why it is not recommended to use this Pokemon competitively. There are much better options with better viability out there, even for NFE.
