From Nature to Myth: The Most Complex Insects in the Pokémon Universe
Over the generations, entomological inspiration in Pokémon has evolved.
What began as an almost direct representation of real insects observed in Satoshi Tajiri's childhood transformed into more complex designs, where biology blends with symbolism, exaggeration, and almost spiritual or mythological concepts.
In this third part, we analyze Pokémon that no longer just reflect real insects, but abstract ideas such as metamorphosis, loss, vital energy, or the scientific exaggeration of the natural world.
Nincada, Ninjask, and Shedinja – The Molt and the Void
Nincada is inspired by cicada nymphs, insects known for spending years underground before emerging.
The evolution process reflects the molting of the exoskeleton typical of many insects.
Ninjask represents extreme speed after metamorphosis, while Shedinja introduces a unique concept: an "empty body" that comes to life.
Shedinja symbolizes the abandoned husk, taken to an almost spiritual plane, becoming one of the most conceptual Pokémon in the entire saga.
Volcarona – The Solar Moth
Volcarona is inspired by moths, but reinterpreted from a mythological approach.
Its wings clearly resemble those of a moth, with symmetrical patterns and a delicate structure.
However, Volcarona does not just represent an insect, but the sun itself.
According to the Pokédex, its presence replaced sunlight when it was scarce, making it a symbol of rebirth, warmth, and survival.
Here, entomology merges with mythology.
Scolipede – The Giant Centipede
Scolipede is based on centipedes, arthropods known for their speed and venom.
The segmented body, multiple legs, and aggressive posture faithfully reflect these animals.
Pokémon exaggerates its size and ferocity, transforming it into a nightmare creature.
Its venomous attacks and speed symbolize the ancestral fear of fast, hard-to-control arthropods.
Durant – The Strength of the Swarm
Durant is inspired by ants, one of the most organized social insects on the planet.
Its design reflects the segmented structure and jaws of worker ants.
Durant represents collective power over individual power.
Its resilience and capacity for work symbolize the strength of the group, a concept very present in both nature and Japanese culture.
Buzzwole and Pheromosa – Scientific Exaggeration
Buzzwole and Pheromosa, belonging to the Ultra Beasts, are based on insects like mosquitoes and cockroaches, taken to an almost experimental extreme.
Despite their exaggerated design, they retain key features of real insects: segmented bodies, multiple limbs, and recognizable structures.
Buzzwole represents muscle hypertrophy and uncontrolled energy, while Pheromosa embodies speed and extreme fragility.
Both seem more the result of a scientific experiment than simple natural observation, marking a radical shift in the original approach.
Metamorphosis, Void, and Transcendence in Pokémon Design
In these later generations, Pokémon stops limiting itself to reproducing real insects and begins to explore deeper ideas: metamorphosis as destiny, the empty husk as a spiritual symbol, the insect as a deity or as an experiment.
Satoshi Tajiri's inspiration doesn't disappear, but evolves.
What began as a children's game of catching insects becomes a complex symbolic language, where nature serves as a basis for talking about life, transformation, and power.
With this third part, it becomes clear that insects not only gave rise to Pokémon, but grew with the saga, transforming into some of its deepest and most memorable concepts.
