Introduced in generation six, with the Pokemon X and Y games, Scatterbug is a monotype grass Pokemon. It is the first stage evolution of its three stage evolution line and evolves into Spewpa which evolves into Vivillon once it reaches the level thresholds. Scatterbug is classified by the Pokedex as the “Scatterdust Pokemon” which is likely a reference to its general behavior. This guide will showcase Scatterbug’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Scatterbug.
About Scatterbug
As a generation six Pokemon, Scatterbug first appeared in the X and Y season of the anime in the episode To Catch a Pokemon Smuggler!. In this episode, Scatterbug helped rescue Ash and his friends from an angry Diggersby. The Pokedex mentions that Scatterbug will spew out poisonous black powder if it is ever attacked. This powder also regulates Scatterbug’s body temperature which allows it to survive in any climate.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Series: X and Y To Catch a Pokemon Smuggler! |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon X and Y |
| Region | Kalos |
| Evolution | Base evolution of Vivillon, evolves into Spewpa |
| 1st Evo level | 9 |
| 2nd Evo level | 12 |
| Pokedex Entry | When under attack from bird Pokémon, it spews a poisonous black powder that causes paralysis on contact. |
Scatterbug Base Stats
| HP | 38 |
| ATTACK | 35 |
| DEFENCE | 40 |
| SP. ATTACK | 27 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 25 |
| SPEED | 35 |
| TOTAL | 200 |
Appearance
Scatterbug is a small black Pokemon that resembles a caterpillar. Most of Scatterbug’s body is black, but it has a collar of white around its neck and it has square pupils with gray eyes. There are small thorny appendages running along Scatterbug’s body, and it has one visible pointed tooth in its mouth. At the base of Scatterbug’s body is a large gray spot and there are three white hairs that stick out of Scatterbug’s head. Scatterbug is a small Pokemon at only 1 foot, or 0.3 meters, tall.
Behavior
In the anime, multiple Scatterbug proved to be useful in emergency situations. They are capable of spewing a poisonous black powder that can paralyze on contact. Scatterbug are timid Pokemon and will spew their black powder whenever it is threatened. This powder also regulates the Scatterbug’s body temperature, enabling it to survive in any kind of climate. Scatterbug are highly sought after as Vivillon’s unique patterns are desirable.
Strengths and Weaknesses
As the first stage of its evolution line, Scatterbug is a weak Pokemon. Its strongest stat is its physical defense, but even its strongest stat is nothing too impressive. Scatterbug has a low base stat total, which makes it difficult for it to pose a threat in battle. It is best to evolve Scatterbug as soon as possible. As a monotype bug Pokemon, Scatterbug takes 2x damage from flying, rock, and fire type moves. It is immune to no types, but will resist fighting, ground, and grass type moves.
Best Moveset
Scatterbug is only capable of learning six moves total. It is best to consider Vivillon for competitive play rather than a subpar bug type Pokemon. Even still, Vivillon struggles to perform against the best of the best found in competitive play. It simply lacks the raw stats to function as well as other options. However, Vivillon has access to Quiver Dance which can make for a surprisingly strong Pokemon if left unchecked.
Consider running Quiver Dance, Hurricane, Energy Ball/Substitute, and Sleep Powder. Quiver Dance is one of the best setup tools in the entire game, Hurricane benefits from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), Energy Ball/Substitute are interchangeable depending on whether you prefer an offensive or defensive set respectively, and Sleep Powder is a powerful disabling move to help buy you time.
| Quiver Dance | Hurricane |
| Energy Ball/Substitute | Sleep Powder |
How to Catch Scatterbug in Pokemon Go
Unfortunately, Scatterbug is not currently available for capture in Pokemon Go. It is likely to be released soon as the developers have released other generation six Pokemon into the game. Until it is released we will not know how many candies it will take to evolve, if it will appear as a raid boss at Pokemon Gyms, or if it will hatch from eggs. When Scatterbug is released, you can find it spawning at a boosted rate near parks, farms, forests, and other grassy areas. Unfortunately, Vivillon is not currently available for capture in Pokemon Go.
Trivia
- Scatterbug and its evolution line are the only bug type Pokemon to be introduced in generation six.
- The inspiration for Scatterbug’s design is likely based on a caterpillar. Specifically, the larvae of carpet moths.
- The name Scatterbug is a combination of the words scatter and bug.
FAQ
What is the last evolution of Scatterbug?
Scatterbug will eventually evolve into Vivillon. It is the base evolution of its three stage evolution line and Scatterbug evolves into Spewpa once it reaches level 9. Spewpa will evolve into Vivillon once it reaches level 12. Once Scatterbug evolves into Vivillon you have finished the Pokemon’s evolution line, and can move on to collecting other Pokemon.
Is Scatterbug in Pokemon Sword?
Unfortunately, Scatterbug is unobtainable in Pokemon Sword. It was one of the many Pokemon evolution lines that did not make it into generation eight. Scatterbug and its evolution line were available in Pokemon X and Y, and Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon. Currently, Scatterbug has not appeared since generation seven.
What EV yields does Scatterbug have?
Defeating a Scatterbug will grant you +1 physical defense EVs. Spewpa will provide +2 physical defense, and Vivillon will provide +1 to health, special attack, and speed. These Effort Values will improve your own Pokemon’s respective stats as you defeat more and more. It is not an immediate bonus, and instead increases the odds that your Pokemon’s stats increase when it levels up.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Scatterdust Pokemon”. While Scatterbug’s impact on competitive play is limited throughout history, it does have one of the most unique final evolutions in the franchise. It is remarkable in its design. No other Pokemon has 20 different variants in appearance and it can be a fun endeavor to collect every pattern of Vivillon. It can also function well in battle with casual play. Reserve a slot on your team for Scatterbug to have a unique bug type Pokemon.
