Bug Catcher (Trainer class)

If you were looking for the "Bug Catcher Pokémon" species, see Carnivine (Pokémon).

Bug Catcher
むしとりしょうねん Bug Catcher Boy
VSBug Catcher BDSP.png
VS model from Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Other names Bug Boy (Stadium)
Introduced in Generation I
Appears in Red, Blue, and Yellow
Gold, Silver, and Crystal
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Stadium, Stadium 2
Gender Male
Counterpart {{{counterpart}}}
Notable members Samurai, Aaron
Anime debut Challenge of the Samurai (Series)
The Discovery (Evolutions)
TCG debut Unified Minds
TCG card Bug Catcher
Manga debut A Glimpse of the Glow (Adventures)

A Bug Catcher (Japanese: むしとりしょうねん Bug Catcher Boy, referred to as むしとりのしょうねん Bug Catchers' Boy in Generation I, and shortened to むしとり Bug Catcher in Generation II) is a type of Pokémon Trainer that debuted in the Generation I games. They are generally depicted as little boys in hats, carrying nets and what appears to be their lunchboxes, or containers to keep caught bugs in, held by a strap after Generation II. Most Bug Catchers have been considered just hobbyists. Some Bug Catchers move around areas, and don't always stay in the same place each day. Experienced Bug Catchers may become Bug Maniacs.

Bug Catchers are usually one of the first Trainer classes encountered during the course of the games' storylines, mostly appearing on earlier routes. As their name implies, they almost exclusively use Bug-type Pokémon.

In Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Bug Catchers will award three Poké Balls along with prize money upon being defeated, except for Master Trainers.

In Pokémon Stadium, they are referred to as Bug Boys.

Gallery

Artwork

       
Official Ken Sugimori artwork, with a Lass from Red and Green Battling Red in Ken Sugimori artwork from the Bandai Carddass jumbo cards Art from Red and Blue Art from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Sprites and models

In the core series

  This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Missing overworld model from LGPE; need higher quality image from LGPE
           
Sprite from
Red and Blue
Sprite from
Yellow
Prototype sprite from the
1997 Nintendo Space World demo
Sprite from
Generation II
Sprite from
Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
Sprite from
FireRed and LeafGreen
         
Overworld sprite from
Generation I
Overworld sprite from
Generation II
Overworld sprite from
Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
Davis's overworld sprite from
Emerald
Overworld sprite from
FireRed and LeafGreen
             
Prototype sprite from
Diamond and Pearl March 26 build
Sprite from
Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
Sprite from
HeartGold and SoulSilver
VS portrait from
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
VS model from
Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Master Trainer VS model from
Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
VS model from
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
     
Overworld sprite from
Generation IV
Overworld model from
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Overworld model from
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

In other games

     
Bug Boy portrait from Stadium Portraits from
Stadium 2

Trainer list

Pokémon Red and Blue


Pokémon Yellow


Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal


Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire


Pokémon Emerald


See more: List of Battle Frontier Trainers (Generation III)/Bug Catcher

Special Trainers

  • Bug Catcher Alann may randomly be recruited as an Apprentice at the Battle Tower. Here, players may customize his team and can eventually either team up with or battle against him.

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen


Pokémon Diamond and Pearl


See more: List of Battle Tower Trainers (Diamond and Pearl)/Bug Catcher

Pokémon Platinum


See more: List of Battle Frontier Trainers (Generation IV)/Bug Catcher

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver


Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire


Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!


Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl


See more: List of Battle Tower Trainers (Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl)/Bug Catcher

Pokémon Stadium


Pokémon Stadium 2


In the anime

Main series

Samurai is a character of the day who lives in Viridian Forest and dresses up in samurai armor. Like Bug Catchers, he specializes in Bug-type Pokémon and has a bug-catching net. He appeared in Challenge of the Samurai.

In Charizard's Burning Ambitions, Team Rocket's Gigantic Mistake mecha is modeled after a Bug Catcher.

In The Spheal of Approval, a boy named Marius strongly resembled the Bug Catchers in the games, but did not own any Bug-type Pokémon.

Pokémon Evolutions

Bug Catcher Cale appeared in The Discovery as a Trainer on the Nugget Bridge, challenging and being quickly defeated by Green.

Pokémon

 
Venomoth
Venomoth was seen with Bug Catcher Cale on the Nugget Bridge, where it was easily defeated by Green's Kangaskhan and Gengar.

None of Venomoth's moves are known.

Debut The Discovery

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

 
Bug Catcher in Pokémon Adventures

Red, Green & Blue arc

A child resembling a Bug Catcher appeared in Pallet Town in A Glimpse of the Glow.

In Wake Up—You're Snorlax!, a Bug Catcher appeared during the Miracle Cycle bicycle race, alongside a Swimmer and Red. He took a shortcut through a small woods full of Bug Pokémon, but later got stuck on Route 12 due to a sleeping Snorlax blocking the way.

Emerald arc

In Verily Vanquishing Vileplume I, a Bug Catcher named James was seen battling Battle Girl Cyndy in the Battle Dome. While it is unknown who won, what is known is that James at some point lost a match, eliminating him from the tournament.

Diamond & Pearl arc

In Licking Lickitung, a Bug Catcher appeared during the Pokétch presentation taking place in Jubilife City.

Platinum arc

A Bug Catcher appeared as a background character in Deprogramming Porygon-Z, where he was part of a group of people who entered the Battle Frontier after Palmer had his assistants open the gates.

HeartGold & SoulSilver arc

In Out-Odding Oddish, a Bug Catcher was seen listening to DJ Mary's announcement at the Pokéathlon Dome. In the same chapter, another Bug Catcher with a Beedrill was seen entering the Pokéathlon Dome.

In Weavile Wobbles But It Won't Fall Down, a Bug Catcher was seen exploring the Safari Zone Gate.

Pokémon
 
Scyther
Scyther was seen with its Trainer while entered the small woods during the bike race.

None of Scyther's moves are known.

Debut Wake Up—You're Snorlax!
 
Weezing
Weezing is James's only known Pokémon. It was seen battling Cyndy's Makuhita in the Battle Dome.

Weezing's only known move is Memento.

Debut Verily Vanquishing Vileplume I
 
Beautifly
Beautifly was briefly seen with its Trainer when they were entering the Battle Frontier.

None of Beautifly's moves are known.

Debut Deprogramming Porygon-Z
 
Butterfree
Butterfree was seen with its Trainer at the Pokéathlon Dome.

None of Butterfree's moves are known.

Debut Out-Odding Oddish
 
Beedrill
Beedrill was briefly seen with its Trainer when they were entering the Pokéathlon Dome.

None of Beedrill's moves are known.

Debut Out-Odding Oddish
 
Ledian
Ledian was seen walking with its Trainer while exploring the Safari Zone Gate.

None of Ledian's moves are known.

Debut Weavile Wobbles But It Won't Fall Down

In the TCG

This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Bug Catcher in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Pokémon with Bug Catchers
Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.
Cards listed with a silver background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
Kricketune    Silver Tempest   TG12/TG30 VMAX Climax   213/184
Other related cards
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
Bug Catcher Su Unified Minds   189/236 Sun & Moon Family Pokémon Card Game   051/051
Fusion Strike   226/264 Sword & Shield Family Pokémon Card Game   053/053
 


Trivia

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 捕蟲少年 Bouhchùhng Siunìhn *
捕蟲人 Bouhchùhng Yàhn *
Mandarin 捕蟲少年 / 捕虫少年 Bǔchóng Shàonián *
捕蟲人 Bǔchóng Rén *
  Czech Lovec brouků
  Finnish Ötökkäpoika
  French Scout
  German Käfersammler
  Indonesian Bocah Penangkap Serangga
  Italian Pigliamosche
  Korean 곤충채집소년 Gonchungchaejip Sonyeon
Portuguese   Brazil Caça-inseto (games, TCG)
Pegador de Insetos (manga)
  Portugal Caça-insectos
  Spanish Cazabichos
  Vietnamese Cậu bé bắt côn trùng


Trainer classes in the Pokémon core series
Kanto Ace Trainer*BeautyBikerBird KeeperBlack Belt*Bug CatcherBurglarCamper*ChampionGSCFRLGHGSSPE
ChannelerElite FourGSCFRLGHGSSPEEngineerFishermanGamer*GentlemanGym Leader*GSCFRLGHGSSPE
HikerJugglerLassPicnicker*Poké Maniac*Pokémon Trainer*GSCPEPsychicRivalFRLGRockerRoughneck*
SailorScientistSuper NerdSwimmerTamerTeam Rocket Boss*FRLGHGSSPETeam Rocket Grunt*Youngster
BoarderHGSSDouble TeamHGSSFirebreatherGSCHGSSGuitaristGSCHGSSMediumGSCHGSS
PokéfanGSCHGSSSchool Kid*GSCHGSSSkierHGSSTeacherGSCHGSSTwinsGSCFRLGHGSS
Cool CoupleFRLGCrush KinFRLGSis and BroFRLGYoung CoupleFRLGHGSS
Coach TrainerPEKarate MasterPEPunk GuyPETeam RocketPETeam Rocket AdminPE
Master TrainersPE
Unused Trainer class:
ChiefRGBY
Sevii Islands Aroma LadyBikerBird KeeperBlack BeltBug CatcherCamperCool CoupleCooltrainerCrush Girl
Crush KinCue BallFishermanGentlemanHikerJugglerLadyLassPainterPicnickerPokéManiac
PKMN BreederPKMN RangerPsychicRuin ManiacScientistSis and BroSwimmerTamer
Team Rocket AdminTeam Rocket GruntTwinsTuberYoung CoupleYoungster
Trainer Tower only:
BeautyBurglarEngineerRockerSailorSuper Nerd
Johto Ace Trainer*BeautyBikerBird KeeperBlack Belt*BoarderBug CatcherBurglarCamper
ChampionExecutive*FirebreatherFisherman*GentlemanGuitaristHikerJugglerKimono GirlLass
LeaderMediumPicnickerPokéfanPoké Maniac*PKMN TrainerPoliceman*PsychicRivalHGSSSage
SailorSchool Kid*ScientistSkierSuper NerdSwimmerTeacherTeam Rocket Grunt*TwinsYoungster
Mystery Man*CHGSSDouble TeamHGSSElderHGSSPasserbyHGSSYoung CoupleHGSS
Battle Frontier only:HGSS

Aroma LadyArtistBattle GirlCameramanClownCollectorCowgirlCyclistDragon TamerIdol
JoggerLadyNinja BoyParasol LadyPIPoké KidPKMN BreederPKMN RangerRancherReporter
Rich BoyRoughneckRuin ManiacSocialiteTuberVeteranWaiterWaitressWorker
Arcade StarCastle ValetFactory HeadHall MatronTower Tycoon

Hoenn Ace Trainer*Aqua AdminSEASAqua LeaderSEASAroma LadyBattle GirlBeautyBird KeeperBlack Belt
Bug CatcherBug ManiacCamperChampionCollectorDragon TamerElite FourExpertFisherman
GentlemanGuitaristHex ManiacHikerInterviewers*KindlerLadyLassLeaderMagma AdminREOR
Magma LeaderREORNinja BoyOld CoupleParasol LadyPicnickerPoké Fan*Poké Maniac*Pokémon Breeder*
Pokémon Ranger*Pokémon Trainer*PsychicRich BoyRuin ManiacSailorSchoolkid*Sis & Bro*Swimmer
Team Aqua GruntSEASTeam Magma GruntREORTeammates*TriathleteTuberTwinsWinstrateYoung CoupleYoungster
Ace DuoORASBrains & BrawnORASBackpackerORASDelinquentORASFairy Tale GirlORASFare PrinceORAS
Free DiverORASLeadersORASLorekeeperORASMysterious SistersORASProprietorORASRotation GirlORAS
Scuba DiverORASSecret Base ExpertORASSecret Base TrainerORASSootopolitanORASStreet ThugORAS
Battle Frontier only:E
Arena TycoonDome AceFactory HeadPalace MavenPike QueenPyramid KingSalon Maiden
Battle Institute and Battle Maison only:ORAS
ArtistBattle ChatelaineButlerChefFurisode GirlGarçonGardenerMadameMaidMonsieurOwnerPreschooler
Punk GirlPunk GuyRising StarRoller SkaterSchoolboySchoolgirlScientistTouristVeteranWaitressWorker
Sinnoh Ace TrainerAroma LadyArtistBattle GirlBeautyBird KeeperBlack BeltBug CatcherCameramanCamperChampion
ClownCollectorCommanderCowgirlCyclistDouble TeamDragon TamerElite FourFisher*GentlemanGuitarist
Gym Leader*HikerIdolInterviewersJoggerLadyLassMadame*Ninja BoyParasol LadyPicnickerPIPoké Fan*
Poké KidPokémon Breeder*Pokémon Ranger*Pokémon Trainer*Police Officer*PsychicRancherRanchers*
ReporterRich BoyRoughneckRuin ManiacSailorSchool KidScientistSkierSwimmerTeam Galactic Boss*
Team Galactic Grunt*Tower TycoonTuberTwinsVeteranWaiterWaitressWorkerYoung CoupleYoungster
Arcade StarPtCastle ValetPtFactory HeadPtHall MatronPtMaidPtGAME FREAK'sBDSP


  This Trainer Class article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.