Bug-type Pokemon have had a fantastic glow-up over the last few generations - they went from one of the weakest types with only a few standout exceptions to a perfectly viable type to include on your team, with lots of fantastic new bugs coming out of the woodwork with every new game.
This is no less true of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet - the ninth generation of pocket monsters brings with it a menagerie of great creepy crawlies who thrive on any team, and some of the more classic bugs remain as good as they've always been.
Updated September 20, 2023 by Jacob Whaling: With the release of the Teal Mask DLC, we've updated this list with a few more Bug-type Pokemon that were added to the game.
12 Spidops
What's this? Do we finally have a spider Pokemon with eight legs?! Well, that's a first for sure. While it may not be the most impressive Bug-type Pokemon to grace the battlefield, there's something about the way Game Freak was able to create an adorable spider that doesn't rely on being a fuzzy little thing that makes Spidops really compelling to use.
That said, it isn't irredeemable if you're forced to rely on it in a fight. First Impression is a great priority move, and it can pivot easily with U-Turn, and Silk Trap is a neat improved Protect.
11 Lokix
Lokix is, in a word, radical. In two words, totally radical. This sporty Bug/Dark-type is a physical attacker whose size belies the wallop it can deliver. While its stats don't reach the highest highs, you'll be surprised at how hard it can hit with moves like First Impression and Sucker Punch.
It even gets Axe Kick, a new and very strong Fighting-type move that may confuse the target. Truly, Lokix is an example of an early game Bug-type that manages to be useable all the way to the end of the game. Bye bye Butterfree, indeed.
10 Vivillon
There's something really captivating about Vivillon, isn't there? The sheer variety of patterns available makes it the collector's dream Pokemon, and it actually manages to work well in a fight if you know what you're doing - Quiver Dance is a fantastic move.
While you can only acquire Fancy Pattern Vivillon in Scarlet & Violet, there's nothing stopping you from transferring other patterns from Pokemon Home - bringing out a Modern Pattern or Sandstorm Pattern Vivillon is sure to impress.
9 Forretress
Forretress has been a defensive powerhouse since its introduction, and it seems to get better with every generation. With all sorts of entry hazards at its disposal and moves like Volt Switch to pivot to more capable sweepers, this bulky Bug-type will make for a perfect lead in important battles. Give it Body Press and it can put its immense bulk to use, too.
And really, who could say no to those bewildered eyes? Forretress have a look of permanent surprise, something that endears us greatly to them.
8 Rabsca
Rabsca, the Psychic-type dung beetle, is a very interesting Pokemon. Most notable is a move that it shares only with Pawmot, Revival Blessing. While it can only be used once before you have to recover the PP, it will revive a Pokemon on your team with no downsides - that's an incredible boon for difficult battles.
Even without Revival Blessing, Rabsca is a pretty great special attacker - it has a high Special Attack stat and good coverage moves, such as Electro Ball, Shadow Ball, and Sludge Bomb. Rabsca can surprise any foe.
7 Heracross
Heracross has been a fantastic Pokemon ever since its inception. Pairing Fighting with Bug is a powerful type combination that helps cover weaknesses - though Flying-types are suddenly the devil incarnate.
With Close Combat and Megahorn, a high-level Heracross can put the fear into any Pokemon that doesn't resist it. With Swords Dance, it'll threaten even those that do. But also, just look at it. It has one of the sleekest, visually appealing designs in the entire Pokedex.
6 Volcarona
Believe it or not, this is only the first of two different Volcarona entries on this list. We start with the vanilla Volcarona, a Bug/Fire-type with pretty stellar Special Attack and enough Speed to make it work. Scarlet & Violet are stacked with physical attackers, so having something a bit more special is nice.
It's also a very rewarding Pokemon to acquire. Larvesta evolves at a frankly ridiculous level 59, making Volcarona a prize you savor after many hours of effort and work. Alternatively, you simply catch one in Area Zero and pat yourself on the back for skipping all the hard work.
5 Scizor
Scizor has been a star since its inception, just like Heracross. It has one of the best designs in the entirety of Pokemon and its abilities in combat make it a faithful companion. It's hard to go wrong with Scizor - it has great moves and a very high Attack stat, it simply thrives when faced with a foe it can beat up.
One of the more popular strategies to use with Scizor in the competitive scene is to use its Technician ability with the priority moves it learns, Bullet Punch and Quick Attack, to offset its rather low speed. This is something you can easily put to great use in-game as an accessible and very effective strategy.
4 Slither Wing
Volcarona has two paradox forms in Scarlet & Violet, and Slither Wing is the one exclusive to Scarlet and is the Volcarona of the distant past. This version of the Pokemon trades Special Attack for Attack, gets great self-sustenance in Morning Sun, and can devastate early on with the strongest First Impression on the list.
Add to this its utterly badass design that makes it look like a sinister campfire, and you have yourself a total star, on and off the battlefield.
3 Vikavolt
Vikavolt is a very solid little bug. It has an impressively low number of weaknesses and a decent number of resistances thanks to its unique Bug and Electric dual typing. Paired with its exceptionally high Special Attack stat and awesome design; Vikavolt has it all.
While Levitate isn't the best ability, especially considering Vikavolt only takes normal damage from Ground-type attacks thanks to its Bug-typing, this ability can still be useful in some scenarios. The main appeal for Vikavolt is definitely its unique typing and great, mechanical-like design.
2 Leavanny
Leavanny is a very solid Pokemon. It has decent physical attack, but finds itself in a weird spot between offensive and defensive usage. Its Hidden Ability Overcoat is great for negating weather effects and certain status effect-inflicting moves like Sleep Powder.
On the other hand, Leavanny has some good offensive attacks like Leaf Blade and X-Scissor, as well as Swords Dance for setting up. While Leavanny won't excel in offensive or defensive usage, its versatility makes it a great choice for casual playthroughs. Plus, its unique design sets it apart from other Bug-types on this list.
1 Yanmega
While there are definitely no shortage of Bug/Flying-type Pokemon, Yanmega stands above the rest with its intimidating design. Its high base speed and Special Attack make it a force to be reckoned with, especially when paired with its Tinted Lens Ability. Tinted Lens provides some great coverage, especially when considering the number of types that outright resist Bug-type attacks.
Bug Buzz and Airslash are great for STAB damage, while access to Giga Drain, Shadow Ball, and Psychic spread out Yanmega's great type coverage against a variety of foes.