No. 0048 · Generation I · Insect Pokémon
コンパンKonpan · From 'compound' (as in compound eye) or konchū (insect); the trademarked romanisation is Kongpang
The Insect Pokémon · Bug/Poison type · first seen in Pokémon Red & Green (1996)
01Overview
Meet Venonat
Everything you need to know about the Insect Pokémon — the creature behind the number.
Meet Venonat, the Insect Pokémon: a round, fuzzy purple bundle of bug with stubby tan forepaws, two-toed feet, a pair of white antennae and a small pink, pincer-like mouth with two teeth. This Bug- and Poison-type has scuttled through the Pokédex since the very first games as entry #048, and at level 31 it trades its fluff for wings and evolves into the dusty moth Venomoth.
Everything about Venonat starts with its eyes. Those two enormous red orbs are compound eyes, and in bright light you can see that each one is really a cluster of many tiny eyes. They work like radar, letting Venonat find its way through pitch darkness and pick out even the most minuscule prey – and, if that were not impressive enough, they can fire powerful beams.
“Lives in the shadows of tall trees where it eats insects. It is attracted by light at night.”
Pokédex · Pokémon Red & Blue · 1996
Its cuddly look is a trap, mind. The fluffy coat is made of thin, stiff hairs that are thought to have evolved for protection, and poison oozes from all over its body. When Venonat shakes itself, droplets of that toxic liquid fly off its fur, so it is one fuzzball best admired from a polite distance.
Venonat is a creature of the night. It makes its home in dense forests, lurking in the shadows of tall trees, and spends the day asleep in a hollow tree trunk. Once darkness falls it heads out to hunt the small bugs that only emerge after sunset. Like a moth – and like the insects it eats – it cannot resist a bright light, so a lamp left burning in the woods might draw in hunter and dinner alike. Those built-in radar eyes make the night shift easy: while its prey stumbles about in the dark, Venonat sees everything.
Trainers first met it in the long grass of Kanto's Routes 12 to 15 and the Safari Zone, and later went bug-hunting for it in Johto's National Park contests, while Pokémon Yellow went one better by filling Koga's Fuchsia Gym team with Venonat. In the anime it became Tracey's first known Pokémon, a night-vision scout whose radar eyes could track down almost anything. Fans adore its goggle-eyed fuzziness, and its big red eyes sit at the heart of a much-loved fan theory that Venonat really ought to evolve into Butterfree – something Game Freak has never confirmed.
How big is Venonat?
At 1.0 m (3′03″) Venonat stands about as tall as a four-year-old child, and at 30.0 kg (66.1 lb) it weighs roughly the same as a fully grown Labrador – one very fuzzy, very goggle-eyed Labrador.
Evolution
02In the Pokédex's words
Venonat's Pokédex entries
14 different entries across 34 games, from 1996 to 2022. Here is how the Pokédex has described Venonat over the years, in the order the games came out.
Generation I
Lives in the shadows of tall trees where it eats insects. It is attracted by light at night.
Kanto Pokédex
Its large eyes act as radars. In a bright place, you can see that they are clusters of many tiny eyes.
Kanto Pokédex
Uses its large, radar-like eyes to move around in darkness. It is instinctively attracted to light.
Kanto Pokédex
Generation II
Its eyes also function as radar units. It catches and eats small bugs that hide in darkness.
Johto Pokédex
Poison oozes from all over its body. It catches and eats small bugs at night that are attracted by light.
Johto Pokédex
The small bugs it eats appear only at night, so it sleeps in a hole in a tree until night falls.
Johto Pokédex
Generation III
Venonat is said to have evolved with a coat of thin, stiff hair that covers its entire body for protection. It possesses large eyes that never fail to spot even miniscule prey.
Hoenn Pokédex
Its coat of thin, stiff hair that covers its entire body is said to have evolved for protection. Its large eyes never fail to spot even miniscule prey.
Hoenn Pokédex
Its eyes act as radar, enabling it to be active in darkness. The eyes can also shoot powerful beams.
FireRed & LeafGreen Pokédex
Lives in the shadows of tall trees where it eats bugs. It is attracted by light at night.
FireRed & LeafGreen Pokédex
Generation IV
Its big eyes are actually clusters of tiny eyes. At night, its kind is drawn by light.
Sinnoh Pokédex
Generation VI
Venonat is said to have evolved with a coat of thin, stiff hair that covers its entire body for protection. It possesses large eyes that never fail to spot even minuscule prey.
Hoenn Pokédex
Generation VII
Its large eyes act as radar. In a bright place, you can see that they are clusters of many tiny eyes.
Let's Go Pokédex
Generation IX
Poison oozes from all over its body. It catches small bug Pokémon at night that are attracted by light.
Rotom Phone (Scarlet & Violet)
03Stats, moves & where to find it
Venonat in the video games
Base stat total 305 · 26 core-series games · 22 spin-offs · every move it learns, generation by generation.
Base stats
Base stats have never changed: 60/55/50/40/55/45, a total of 305. In Generation I Venonat had a single Special stat of 40; when Gold and Silver split Special in two, Sp. Atk stayed at 40 while Sp. Def came in at 55, a small boost to its bulk. Its base experience yield was 75 before Generation V and has been 61 since; it reaches level 100 at 1,000,000 Exp. (Medium Fast). Base friendship was 70 in Generations II–VII and is 50 from Generation VIII. Pokéathlon stats in HeartGold and SoulSilver: Speed 4 (max 5), Power 2 (3), Technique 2 (3), Stamina 3 (4), Jump 2 (3).
Abilities
- Compound Eyessince Gen III
Raises the accuracy of Venonat's moves by 30%. - Tinted Lenssince Gen IV
Doubles the damage of Venonat's 'not very effective' moves. - Run AwayHidden abilitysince Gen V
Guarantees that Venonat can escape from any wild Pokémon battle.
Type matchups
How hard each attacking type hits a Bug/Poison Pokémon.
Generation I: Bug-type moves were super effective (2×) against Venonat, because Bug then beat Poison, and Poison-type moves hit it for neutral damage, because Poison was then super effective against Bug. From Generation II onwards both are resisted (½×). The Fairy resistance applies from Generation VI, when the Fairy type was introduced.
Training & breeding
- Catch rate
- 190
- Base friendship
- 50
- Base experience
- 61
- Growth rate
- Medium Fast
- EV yield
- 1 Sp. Def
- Egg groups
- Bug
- Egg cycles
- 20
- Colour
- Purple
- Gender ratio
- 50% male
- Body shape
- humanoid
Where to find Venonat
| Game | Year | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Red & Green | 1996 | Wild on Routes 12, 13, 14 and 15 and in the Safari ZoneA girl in the Cinnabar Lab's reception will swap her Tangela for a Venonat. |
| Blue (Japan) | 1996 | Wild on Routes 12, 13, 14 and 15 and in the Safari Zone |
| Red & Blue | 1998 | Wild on Routes 12, 13, 14 and 15 and in the Safari ZoneTrade one to the girl in the Cinnabar Lab for her Tangela. |
| Yellow | 1998 | Wild on Routes 14, 15, 24 and 25Koga's Fuchsia Gym team is Venonat (Lv. 44, 46 and 48) and Venomoth (Lv. 50). |
| Gold & Silver | 1999 | Wild on Routes 24 and 25 (Kanto) and Route 43 (Johto); National Park Bug-Catching Contest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and SaturdaysA Venonat traded across from Red or Blue arrives holding a Berry. |
| Crystal | 2000 | Wild on Routes 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 24, 25 and 43, in Ilex Forest and National Park; Bug-Catching Contest (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays); Headbutt trees on Route 43 and at the Lake of Rage |
| Ruby & Sapphire | 2002 | Not obtainable in Hoenn – trade only |
| Colosseum | 2003 | Not obtainable |
| FireRed & LeafGreen | 2004 | Wild on Routes 12, 13, 14 and 15, in the Berry Forest, on Bond Bridge and in the Safari ZoneThe girl in the Cinnabar Lab still wants a Venonat in exchange for her Tangela. |
| Emerald | 2004 | Not obtainable in Hoenn – trade only |
| XD: Gale of Darkness | 2005 | Not obtainable |
| Diamond & Pearl | 2006 | Route 229 with the Poké RadarPal Park: Venonat brought over from the Game Boy Advance games turn up in the Forest area. |
| Platinum | 2008 | Route 229 with the Poké Radar |
| HeartGold & SoulSilver | 2009 | Wild on Routes 24 and 25 (Kanto) and Route 43 (Johto); Bug-Catching Contest (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays); Headbutt trees on Route 43 and at the Lake of RageAlso found on the Pokéwalker's Noisy Forest course. |
| Black & White | 2010 | Breed VenomothVenonat with its Hidden Ability, Run Away, came from the Dream World's Dream Park. |
| Black 2 & White 2 | 2012 | Hidden Grotto on Route 3 (across the pond) |
| X & Y | 2013 | Breed Venomoth |
| Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire | 2014 | Breed Venomoth |
| Sun & Moon | 2016 | Not found in Alola – transfer via Pokémon Bank |
| Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon | 2017 | Not found in Alola – transfer via Pokémon Bank |
| Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! | 2018 | Wild on Routes 14, 15, 24 and 25Koga's Fuchsia Gym team ends with a Venomoth. |
| Sword & Shield | 2019 | Unobtainable |
| Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl | 2021 | Route 229 with the Poké Radar; Grand Underground hideaways (Spacious Cave, Grassland Cave, Swampy Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern, Sunlit Cavern, Bogsunk Cavern) after obtaining the National Pokédex |
| Legends: Arceus | 2022 | Unobtainable |
| Scarlet & Violet | 2022 | Wild in East Province (Area One) and Tagtree Thicket; 1★ Tera Raid BattlesThe Indigo Disk (2023): also in the Terarium's Savanna Biome. |
| Legends: Z-A | 2025 | Unobtainable |
Sprites through the ages
Spin-offs & cameos
Pokémon GO
Venonat has been creeping around Pokémon GO since the game launched in July 2016. Evolving it into Venomoth costs 50 Candy, and as a buddy it earns you Candy every 3 km. Its Shiny form arrived on 1 May 2020 during the Throwback Challenge 2020: Kanto, and a Shiny Shadow Venonat followed on 18 May 2021 – rescue a Shadow one from Team GO Rocket and, once purified, it can learn Return. On 22 August 2023 it had the spotlight to itself in a Spotlight Hour with double Candy for every catch. In battle it fights with Bug Bite or Confusion as Fast Attacks and Poison Fang, Psybeam or Signal Beam as Charged Attacks.
Venonat is among the cards you can collect and build into your decks in the Game Boy Color adaptation of the card game.
Has its own Stadium Pokédex entry, can be rented for the Pika, Poké and Prime Cups, and Koga brings one to his first-round team in Gym Leader Castle.
Ping your way to Fuchsia City on the Blue Field and Venonat is there to be caught.
Available as a rental Pokémon – including for the Little Cup, where unevolved Pokémon battle at level 5.
A common piece in Huge Storage 4, the Endless and Forever modes and Mr. Who's Den.
Befriend it in Uproar Forest, Western Cave or Murky Cave, and it proudly declares: 'The beams from my eyes make it safe in darkness!'
Fiore Browser #153 lives in Olive Jungle and lends a Poison Poké Assist; its browser notes that 'Venonat hops about while scattering puffs of poison mist.'
Recruitable in Mystifying Forest, Mystery Jungle and Midnight Forest.
The expanded Explorers adventure keeps Venonat in Mystifying Forest, Mystery Jungle and Midnight Forest.
Arrived through the Pokémon Safari event; its Nap Time skill can leave the opponent asleep.
Roams the Black Realm's Obsidian Shrine and Distortion Land's Breezy Grasslands.
Chat to it in Baram Town to recruit it – and it will happily brag, 'I can shoot beams from my eyes! Cool, huh?'
In the wild since launch, with a Shiny debut in 2020 and its own Spotlight Hour in 2023.
Found in the Butterfree Sea, the Bulbasaur Sea and both versions of the Charizard Sea.
Hatch Venonat from an Egg and it can team up with your own player character as a sync pair.
Lives in Uproar Forest, and fainted Venonat can need rescuing on Mt. Freeze, in Silver Trench and on Mt. Faraway.
One of the Pokémon you can rescue from cavity-causing bacteria by brushing your teeth properly.
Pokopia Pokédex #019 has the Search specialty: take it for a walk while holding the Dowsing Machine and it helps you hunt for buried items – a perfect job for those radar eyes.
Moves
Red and Blue gave Venonat a slow start: Tackle and Disable, then a long wait until PoisonPowder at 24, followed by Leech Life, Stun Spore, Psybeam, Sleep Powder and, finally, Psychic at 43. Yellow plugged the gap with Supersonic and Confusion, and Gold and Silver threw in Foresight, a neat fit for a bug whose huge eyes miss nothing, plus its first Egg Moves: Baton Pass, Giga Drain and Screech.
Diamond and Pearl gave the whole list a makeover. Most moves came much sooner, and Signal Beam, Zen Headbutt and Poison Fang gave its later levels real bite before Psychic closed the show at 47. Sun and Moon pumped Leech Life up from 20 to 80 power, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl swapped the vanished Signal Beam for Mega Drain, and Scarlet and Violet handed it Bug Buzz at 25 and a 36-strong TM case with Pounce, Lunge and Psychic Noise inside. Not bad for a fuzzy little bug that started out with just a Tackle and a Disable.
Signature moves
The psychic streak in this bug: a level-up move in every main series game, at 35 in Red and Blue, 25 from Diamond and Pearl and 17 from Sun and Moon onwards, and TM016 in Scarlet and Violet.
Its Bug-type bread and butter since Red and Blue. A feeble 20-power nibble for six generations, it was beefed up to 80 power in Sun and Moon, which also made it TM28.
The pick of its powder kit. Poison Powder, Stun Spore and Sleep Powder are in every level-up list it has ever had, at 24, 30 and 38 in Red and Blue and 13, 23 and 29 in Scarlet and Violet.
The grand finale of every level-up list: 43 in Red and Blue, 41 in Gold, Silver, Ruby and Sapphire, 47 from Diamond and Pearl onwards and 32 in Let's Go.
A glittering Bug-type beam that first came as an Egg Move from Volbeat in Generation III, then became a level-up move at 35 in Diamond and Pearl and 25 in Sun and Moon. When it vanished in Generation VIII, Mega Drain and later Bug Buzz took over its slot.
Its first Poison-type attack learned by levelling up, arriving at 41 in Diamond and Pearl and staying put in every main series game since, apart from the pared-down Let's Go.
Complete learnsets
Generation I · Red, Green, Blue & Yellow10 level-up · 15 TM/HM
Red and Blue have Venonat on Routes 12, 13, 14 and 15 and in the Safari Zone; Yellow moves it to Routes 14, 15, 24 and 25. The two level-up lists differ only at the start: Yellow alone teaches Supersonic at 11 and Confusion at 19, and it brings PoisonPowder (the spelling of the day) forward from 24 to 22. Both end with Psychic at 43. Only Yellow lets Venonat learn Flash from HM05. In this era a move's category is set by its type, so Leech Life is a physical attack and Psybeam a special one. Screech and Swift, learned in Gold, Silver or Crystal, can be carried back through the Time Capsule.
By level-up
| RGB | Y | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 35 | 95 | 35 |
| 1 | 1 | Disable | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| N/A | 11 | Supersonic | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| N/A | 19 | Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| 24 | 22 | PoisonPowder | Poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| 27 | 27 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| 30 | 30 | Stun Spore | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| 35 | 35 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 38 | 38 | Sleep Powder | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| 43 | 43 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 | |
| TM09 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 | |
| TM10 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM20 | Rage | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM21 | Mega Drain | Grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM22 | SolarBeam | Grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM31 | Mimic | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 | |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | |
| TM33 | Reflect | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 | |
| TM34 | Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 | |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM46 | Psywave | Psychic | Special | — | 80 | 15 | |
| TM50 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| HM05 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 70 | 20 | Yellow only |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Screech | Gen II (Egg Move) |
| Swift | Gen II (TM) |
Generation II · Gold, Silver & Crystal11 level-up · 21 TM/HM · 3 egg
Gold and Silver have Venonat on Routes 24, 25 and 43 and in the National Park's Bug-Catching Contest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Crystal spreads it further, adding Routes 9, 10, 13, 14 and 15, Ilex Forest and the National Park itself, plus Headbutt trees on Route 43 and at the Lake of Rage. Foresight joins its opening moves, and every other level-up move arrives two levels sooner than in Yellow, from Supersonic at 9 to Psychic at 41. Breeding brings its first Egg Moves: Baton Pass from Ledyba or Ledian, Giga Drain from Paras or Parasect, and Screech from Spinarak, Ariados, Yanma or Gligar. Categories still follow type, so Thief counts as special, and Curse is the mysterious ???-type. No move tutor teaches it anything.
By level-up
| GSC | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 35 | 95 | 35 |
| 1 | Disable | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 1 | Foresight | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 9 | Supersonic | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 17 | Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| 20 | PoisonPowder | Poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| 25 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| 28 | Stun Spore | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| 33 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 36 | Sleep Powder | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| 41 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM03 | Curse | ??? | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Varies | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM12 | Sweet Scent | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM13 | Snore | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM19 | Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| TM20 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM22 | SolarBeam | Grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM34 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM35 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM36 | Sludge Bomb | Poison | Physical | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM39 | Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Special | 40 | 100 | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Pass | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Ledyba, Ledian |
| Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 | Paras, Parasect |
| Screech | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 | Spinarak, Ariados, Yanma, Gligar |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM) |
| Flash | Gen I (HM05, Yellow only) |
| Mega Drain | Gen I (TM) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM) |
| Psywave | Gen I (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Reflect | Gen I (TM) |
| Substitute | Gen I (TM) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
Generation III · Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed & LeafGreen (plus the XD move tutors)11 level-up · 18 TM/HM · 4 egg · 8 tutor
Venonat doesn't live anywhere in Hoenn, so Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald players need a trade. FireRed and LeafGreen bring back Routes 12 to 15 and the Safari Zone and add Berry Forest and Bond Bridge on the Sevii Islands. The level-up list is unchanged from Gold and Silver. Signal Beam joins the Egg Moves, passed down by Volbeat; Facade, Secret Power and Skill Swap join the TMs; and Flash is back as HM05. The move tutors in FireRed and LeafGreen, Emerald and Pokémon XD add eight moves, Double-Edge and Substitute among them. Categories still follow type, so Signal Beam counts as a physical attack here.
By level-up
| RSE/FRLG | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 35 | 95 | 35 |
| 1 | Disable | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 1 | Foresight | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 9 | Supersonic | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 17 | Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| 20 | PoisonPowder | Poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| 25 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| 28 | Stun Spore | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| 33 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 36 | Sleep Powder | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| 41 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Varies | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM19 | Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM22 | SolarBeam | Grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM36 | Sludge Bomb | Poison | Physical | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM43 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Special | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| TM48 | Skill Swap | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| HM05 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 70 | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Pass | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Ledyba, Ledian, Ninjask |
| Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 | Paras, Parasect, Beautifly |
| Screech | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 | Yanma, Gligar, Ninjask, Vibrava, Flygon |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | Volbeat |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Emerald |
| Mimic | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Emerald |
| Snore | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | Emerald |
| Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | Emerald, XD |
| Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | Emerald |
Generation IV · Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver14 level-up · 24 TM/HM · 8 egg · 6 tutor
Diamond, Pearl and Platinum hide Venonat on Route 229, where it only turns up with the Poké Radar. HeartGold and SoulSilver bring back Routes 24, 25 and 43, the Bug-Catching Contest and the Headbutt trees on Route 43 and at the Lake of Rage. This is the first generation in which every move has its own physical or special category. The level-up list is rebuilt: most moves arrive much sooner (Supersonic at 5, Leech Life at 17, Psybeam at 25), Signal Beam, Zen Headbutt and Poison Fang join at 35, 37 and 41, and Psychic now waits until 47. Agility, Bug Bite, Morning Sun and Toxic Spikes join the Egg Moves. The tutors in Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver teach Signal Beam, Snore, Swift and Zen Headbutt, with Bug Bite and String Shot in HeartGold and SoulSilver only.
By level-up
| DPPt/HGSS | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 35 | 95 | 35 |
| 1 | Disable | Normal | Status | — | 80 | 20 |
| 1 | Foresight | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 5 | Supersonic | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 11 | Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| 13 | PoisonPowder | Poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| 17 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| 23 | Stun Spore | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| 25 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 29 | Sleep Powder | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| 35 | Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| 37 | Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
| 41 | Poison Fang | Poison | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| 47 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM19 | Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM22 | SolarBeam | Grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM36 | Sludge Bomb | Poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM43 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| TM48 | Skill Swap | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM58 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM70 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM78 | Captivate | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM82 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM83 | Natural Gift | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | Beedrill, Scyther, Scizor, Ledyba, Ledian, Spinarak, Ariados, Surskit and 2 more |
| Baton Pass | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Ledyba, Ledian, Surskit, Masquerain, Ninjask |
| Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | Caterpie, Metapod, Butterfree, Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill, Ariados, Pineco and 16 more |
| Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 60 | 100 | 10 | Paras, Parasect, Beautifly |
| Morning Sun | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | Beautifly |
| Screech | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 | Yanma, Yanmega, Gligar, Gliscor, Ninjask, Vibrava, Flygon, Kricketune |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | Venonat, Venomoth, Volbeat |
| Toxic Spikes | Poison | Status | — | — | 20 | Beedrill, Forretress, Drapion |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | HGSS |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| String Shot | Bug | Status | — | 95 | 40 | HGSS |
| Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
| Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
Generation V · Black, White, Black 2 & White 214 level-up · 20 TM/HM · 11 egg · 7 tutor · 2 event
Black and White have no wild Venonat, so it comes from breeding a Venomoth; Black 2 and White 2 tuck it away in the Hidden Grotto on Route 3, across the pond. The level-up list is the same as in Generation IV, though Tackle now hits for 50 and Disable's accuracy climbs to 100. Venoshock and Struggle Bug are new TMs and Rage Powder joins the Egg Moves, while Secret Power and Skill Swap can only be passed down by a parent that learned them in an earlier generation. The Black 2 and White 2 tutors add seven moves, from Bug Bite to Zen Headbutt, and a Venonat met in the Pokémon Dream World's Dream Park could know Baton Pass or Skill Swap.
By level-up
| BW/B2W2 | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Disable | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Foresight | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 5 | Supersonic | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 11 | Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| 13 | PoisonPowder | Poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| 17 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| 23 | Stun Spore | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| 25 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 29 | Sleep Powder | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| 35 | Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| 37 | Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
| 41 | Poison Fang | Poison | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| 47 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM09 | Venoshock | Poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM22 | SolarBeam | Grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM36 | Sludge Bomb | Poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM70 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM76 | Struggle Bug | Bug | Special | 30 | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | Beedrill, Scyther, Scizor, Ledyba, Ledian, Spinarak, Ariados, Surskit and 9 more |
| Baton Pass | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Ledyba, Ledian, Surskit, Ninjask, Scolipede |
| Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | Caterpie, Metapod, Butterfree, Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill, Ariados, Pineco and 29 more |
| Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 | Paras, Parasect, Beautifly, Shelmet, Accelgor |
| Morning Sun | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | Beautifly |
| Rage Powder | Bug | Status | — | — | 20 | Butterfree, Paras, Parasect, Volcarona |
| Screech | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 | Yanma, Yanmega, Gligar, Gliscor, Ninjask, Vibrava, Flygon, Kricketune and 5 more |
| Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | Butterfree, Beedrill, Paras, Parasect, Venonat, Venomoth, Scyther, Scizor and 27 more (the parent must have learned it in an earlier generation) |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | Venonat, Venomoth, Volbeat, Joltik, Galvantula |
| Skill Swap | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | Butterfree, Venonat, Venomoth, Mothim (the parent must have learned it in an earlier generation) |
| Toxic Spikes | Poison | Status | — | — | 20 | Beedrill, Forretress, Skorupi, Drapion |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | B2W2 |
| Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 | B2W2 |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Skill Swap | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | B2W2 |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | B2W2 |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 | B2W2 |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Baton Pass | Pokémon Dream World (Dream Park) |
| Skill Swap | Pokémon Dream World (Dream Park) |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| Endure | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (TM) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| String Shot | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Swift | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
Generation VI · X, Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire14 level-up · 24 TM/HM · 11 egg · 6 tutor
Neither X and Y nor Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire have a wild Venonat: it comes from breeding a Venomoth. All four games share one level-up list, unchanged from Generation V apart from modern spellings such as Poison Powder and Solar Beam. Struggle Bug grows to 50 power and Thief to 60, Infestation and Confide join the TMs, and Secret Power returns as TM94 in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire only. Those two are also the only games here with move tutors.
By level-up
| XY/ORAS | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Disable | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Foresight | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 5 | Supersonic | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 11 | Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| 13 | Poison Powder | Poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| 17 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| 23 | Stun Spore | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| 25 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 29 | Sleep Powder | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| 35 | Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| 37 | Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
| 41 | Poison Fang | Poison | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| 47 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 | |
| TM09 | Venoshock | Poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 | |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM22 | Solar Beam | Grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | |
| TM36 | Sludge Bomb | Poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM70 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM76 | Struggle Bug | Bug | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM83 | Infestation | Bug | Special | 20 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM94 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | ORAS only |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | Beedrill, Scyther, Scizor, Ledyba, Ledian, Spinarak, Ariados, Surskit and 9 more |
| Baton Pass | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Ledyba, Ledian, Surskit, Ninjask, Scolipede |
| Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | Caterpie, Weedle, Ariados, Pineco, Forretress, Shuckle, Wurmple, Ninjask and 20 more |
| Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 | Paras, Parasect, Beautifly, Shelmet, Accelgor |
| Morning Sun | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | Beautifly |
| Rage Powder | Bug | Status | — | — | 20 | Butterfree, Paras, Parasect, Volcarona |
| Screech | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 | Yanma, Yanmega, Gligar, Gliscor, Ninjask, Vibrava, Flygon, Kricketune and 5 more |
| Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | Butterfree, Beedrill, Paras, Parasect, Venonat, Venomoth, Scyther, Scizor and 27 more (the parent must have learned it in an earlier generation) |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | Venonat, Venomoth, Volbeat, Joltik, Galvantula |
| Skill Swap | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | Butterfree, Venonat, Venomoth, Mothim (the parent must have learned it in an earlier generation) |
| Toxic Spikes | Poison | Status | — | — | 20 | Beedrill, Forretress, Skorupi, Drapion |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 | ORAS |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| Skill Swap | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | ORAS |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 | ORAS |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| Endure | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (TM) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| String Shot | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Swift | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
Generation VII · Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon14 level-up · 22 TM/HM · 11 egg · 6 tutor
Venonat doesn't live in Alola: it reaches Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon through Pokémon Bank. One level-up list serves all four games, and it is reshuffled: Psybeam moves up to 17 and Signal Beam to 25, while Leech Life, now an 80-power move with 10 PP, drops back to 35 and can also be taught by TM28. Tackle falls to 40 power. Flash and Struggle Bug drop off its TM list and can only be carried over from older games. Skill Swap's only Egg Move parent is Cutiefly, and the Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon tutors teach six moves.
By level-up
| SM/USUM | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Disable | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Foresight | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 5 | Supersonic | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 11 | Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| 13 | Poison Powder | Poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| 17 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 23 | Stun Spore | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| 25 | Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| 29 | Sleep Powder | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| 35 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 37 | Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
| 41 | Poison Fang | Poison | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| 47 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM09 | Venoshock | Poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM22 | Solar Beam | Grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM36 | Sludge Bomb | Poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM83 | Infestation | Bug | Special | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | Beedrill, Scyther, Scizor, Ledyba, Ledian, Spinarak, Ariados, Surskit and 9 more |
| Baton Pass | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Ledyba, Ledian, Surskit, Ninjask, Scolipede |
| Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | Caterpie, Weedle, Ariados, Pineco, Forretress, Shuckle, Wurmple, Ninjask and 26 more |
| Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 | Paras, Parasect, Beautifly, Shelmet, Accelgor |
| Morning Sun | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | Beautifly |
| Rage Powder | Bug | Status | — | — | 20 | Butterfree, Paras, Parasect, Volcarona |
| Screech | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 | Yanma, Yanmega, Gligar, Gliscor, Ninjask, Vibrava, Flygon, Kricketune and 5 more |
| Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | Butterfree, Beedrill, Paras, Parasect, Venonat, Venomoth, Scyther, Scizor and 45 more (the parent must have learned it in an earlier generation) |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | Venonat, Venomoth, Volbeat, Joltik, Galvantula |
| Skill Swap | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | Cutiefly (chain breeding needed) |
| Toxic Spikes | Poison | Status | — | — | 20 | Beedrill, Forretress, Skorupi, Drapion |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
| Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 | USUM |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Skill Swap | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | USUM |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 | USUM |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Curse | Gen II (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Endure | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (TM) |
| Flash | Gen I (HM05, Yellow only), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Mega Drain | Gen I (TM) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Psywave | Gen I (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Reflect | Gen I (TM) |
| String Shot | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Struggle Bug | Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Sweet Scent | Gen II (TM) |
| Swift | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!10 level-up · 11 TM/HM
Venonat lives on Routes 14, 15, 24 and 25 in both games. These games use their own trimmed movesets: ten level-up moves, from Tackle at 1 to Psychic at 32 (Disable now waits until level 4), and 11 TMs, Headbutt, Reflect and Mega Drain among them. Values are as in these games, so Mega Drain hits for 75 and Solar Beam for 200. There is no breeding and no move tutor.
By level-up
| LGPE | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 4 | Disable | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 8 | Supersonic | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 12 | Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| 14 | Poison Powder | Poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| 16 | Stun Spore | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| 20 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 24 | Sleep Powder | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| 28 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 32 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM05 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM07 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM08 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM09 | Reflect | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM12 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM27 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM40 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM45 | Solar Beam | Grass | Special | 200 | 100 | 10 |
| TM52 | Sludge Bomb | Poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM53 | Mega Drain | Grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
Generation VIII · Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl14 level-up · 17 TM/HM · 7 egg
Venonat can't be obtained in Sword and Shield, and it is missing from Legends: Arceus too. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl bring it back on Route 229 with the Poké Radar and, once you have the National Pokédex, in seven Grand Underground caves, from Spacious Cave to Bogsunk Cavern. The level-up list follows Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon's, except that Foresight and Signal Beam, both missing from these games, give way to Struggle Bug at the start and Mega Drain at 25. There are 17 TMs, seven Egg Moves and no move tutors.
By level-up
| BDSP | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Disable | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Struggle Bug | Bug | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| 5 | Supersonic | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 11 | Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| 13 | Poison Powder | Poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| 17 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 23 | Stun Spore | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| 25 | Mega Drain | Grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| 29 | Sleep Powder | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| 35 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 37 | Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
| 41 | Poison Fang | Poison | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| 47 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM19 | Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| TM22 | Solar Beam | Grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| TM29 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM36 | Sludge Bomb | Poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM48 | Skill Swap | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM58 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM70 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM82 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | Beedrill, Scyther, Scizor, Ledyba, Ledian, Spinarak, Ariados, Surskit and 2 more |
| Baton Pass | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Ledyba, Ledian, Surskit, Masquerain, Ninjask |
| Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | Caterpie, Butterfree, Weedle, Beedrill, Pinsir, Ariados, Pineco, Forretress and 13 more |
| Morning Sun | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | Beautifly |
| Rage Powder | Bug | Status | — | — | 20 | Butterfree, Paras, Parasect |
| Screech | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 | Yanma, Yanmega, Gligar, Gliscor, Ninjask, Vibrava, Flygon, Kricketune |
| Toxic Spikes | Poison | Status | — | — | 20 | Beedrill, Forretress, Skorupi, Drapion |
Generation IX · Scarlet & Violet13 level-up · 36 TM/HM · 8 egg
Scarlet and Violet have Venonat in Paldea's East Province (Area One) and Tagtree Thicket and in 1★ Tera Raid Battles, and The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero adds the Savanna Biome of Blueberry Academy's Terarium. The level-up list keeps Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's shape, but Struggle Bug drops out and Bug Buzz takes over at 25. The TM list grows to 36 moves, with Pounce, Lunge, Skitter Smack and Psychic Noise among the newcomers. Agility, Baton Pass, Bug Bite, Rage Powder, Screech and Toxic Spikes come from parents, Venoshock from a parent that knows it by TM, and Morning Sun only with a Mirror Herb. Values are as in these games, so Rest has 5 PP. There are no move tutors, and Venonat doesn't appear in Legends: Z-A.
By level-up
| SV | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tackle | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Disable | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 5 | Supersonic | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 11 | Confusion | Psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| 13 | Poison Powder | Poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| 17 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 23 | Stun Spore | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| 25 | Bug Buzz | Bug | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| 29 | Sleep Powder | Grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| 35 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 37 | Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
| 41 | Poison Fang | Poison | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| 47 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM001 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| TM004 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM007 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM013 | Acid Spray | Poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| TM015 | Struggle Bug | Bug | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| TM016 | Psybeam | Psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| TM017 | Confuse Ray | Ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM018 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM021 | Pounce | Bug | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| TM025 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM032 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM042 | Night Shade | Ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM045 | Venoshock | Poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| TM047 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM049 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM059 | Zen Headbutt | Psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
| TM070 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM085 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM091 | Toxic Spikes | Poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM095 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM098 | Skill Swap | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM103 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM111 | Giga Drain | Grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| TM119 | Energy Ball | Grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM120 | Psychic | Psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM132 | Baton Pass | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| TM148 | Sludge Bomb | Poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM162 | Bug Buzz | Bug | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM168 | Solar Beam | Grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| TM171 | Tera Blast | Normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM175 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM182 | Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM185 | Lunge | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM205 | Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM219 | Skitter Smack | Bug | Physical | 70 | 90 | 10 |
| TM228 | Psychic Noise | Psychic | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | Scyther, Scizor, Kleavor, Spinarak, Ariados, Surskit, Joltik, Galvantula and 3 more |
| Baton Pass | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Surskit |
| Bug Bite | Bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | Ariados, Yanma, Yanmega, Pineco, Forretress, Kricketot, Combee, Sewaddle and 18 more |
| Morning Sun | Normal | Status | — | — | 5 | Mirror Herb only: Venonat must hold a Mirror Herb to copy it from another Pokémon |
| Rage Powder | Bug | Status | — | — | 20 | Volcarona |
| Screech | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 | Yanma, Yanmega, Gligar, Gliscor, Vibrava, Flygon, Kricketune, Joltik and 5 more |
| Toxic Spikes | Poison | Status | — | — | 20 | Forretress |
| Venoshock | Poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 | No Bug-group Pokémon learns it by levelling up, but a Venonat, Spinarak, Pineco or Gligar-line parent that knows it from TM045 can pass it on, or it can be copied with a Mirror Herb |
04On screen
Venonat in the anime
Debut EP028Pokémon Fashion Flash · First major role EP032The Ninja Poké-Showdown · Its appearances on screen, and 5 other trainers who raised one.
Venonat scuttled into the anime early, with a cameo on Scissor Street in Pokémon Fashion Flash (EP028), and a few weeks later it took centre stage at the Fuchsia Gym. Koga's younger sister Aya battled Ash with one, and Koga's own Venonat turned into a Venomoth the instant it faced Pidgeotto, a ninja-worthy transformation that had Brock scrambling for an explanation (EP032).
Ash has never owned one, but he travelled with the most famous Venonat of all. Tracey's radar-eyed partner tracked Team Rocket, scouted for Pokémon and helped its Watcher Trainer catch Scyther across the Orange Islands, before quietly evolving into Venomoth off screen. Goh caught one in Vermilion Forest, Conway borrowed one at the Pokémon Summer Academy, and other Venonat have turned up everywhere from a city sewer to a burning rooftop, where Ash's Squirtle and Bulbasaur came to the rescue.
Other trainers’ Venonat
First seen: EP084The Lost Lapras
Now: With Tracey in Pallet Town, now a Venomoth
Tracey Sketchit's Venonat is the anime's best-known Venonat, and the perfect partner for a Pokémon Watcher. Its radar eyes can scan for whatever Tracey is looking for, and on the day he met Ash it tracked Team Rocket's getaway truck after they stole a young Lapras (EP084). Across the Orange Islands it proudly led everyone to a pile of Onix-shaped rocks instead of the Crystal Onix (EP087), put an injured Scyther to sleep with Sleep Powder so Tracey could catch it (EP097), and spotted Team Rocket's balloon before Tackling the trio aside (EP106). Tracey prefers Marill and Scyther for battles, so Venonat's big moment happened off screen: when Ash came home to Pallet Town in his final episode, it turned out that Venonat had evolved into a Venomoth off screen (JN147).
Personality
Eager and excitable, it bounces up and down whenever it thinks it has found what Tracey wants, even when it has got the wrong end of the stick. It can be timid, though: the sight of a wounded Scyther rattled it until Tracey's encouragement got it to use Sleep Powder.
Moves usedSleep PowderTackle
Key battles
- EP097Tracey Gets Bugged · vs Scyther Won
First seen: EP032The Ninja Poké-Showdown
Evolved: EP032The Ninja Poké-Showdown
The ninja Gym Leader of Fuchsia City opened his battle with Ash with a Venonat, and Ash, fresh from beating Aya's Venonat, thought he had the match sewn up. Koga's more experienced Venonat evolved into Venomoth on the spot, paralysed Pidgeotto with Stun Spore and followed up with Sleep Powder, forcing Ash to switch to Charmander (EP032). Team Rocket crashed through the ceiling before that clash could be settled, and Ash eventually won the Soul Badge when Charmander beat Koga's Golbat outside.
- EP032The Ninja Poké-Showdown · vs Pidgeotto Won
- EP032The Ninja Poké-Showdown · vs Charmander Interrupted
First seen: EP032The Ninja Poké-Showdown
Koga's younger sister Aya, a poetry-loving ninja in training, was the first Trainer to battle Ash with a Venonat. It hopped onto Bulbasaur's head to dust it with Stun Spore and landed a clean Psybeam, but Leech Seed drained it dry (EP032). Their rematch at the Pokémon Jujitsu Academy was much closer: Venonat shook off Leech Seed and almost won with Supersonic and Tackle, until Bulbasaur vaulted into the air on its vines and struck with Vine Whip from above (EP176). That night it made up for it. With the dojo's Poké Balls stolen and Pikachu caged, Aya gambled on Rest, and a refreshed Venonat Tackled Jessie's Arbok and stunned it with Stun Spore.
- EP032The Ninja Poké-Showdown · vs Bulbasaur Lost
- EP176Ariados, Amigos · vs Bulbasaur Lost
- EP176Ariados, Amigos · vs Arbok Won
First seen: JN006Working My Way Back to Mew!
Goh's Venonat was part of his big Bug-type sweep of Vermilion Forest. Goh knew Venonat are nocturnal and hard to find, so he checked a tree hollow on a hunch and found one asleep inside, but it burst straight out of his first Poké Ball. Ash told him to battle it first, and Goh refused, until Scorbunny charged in anyway. Venonat poisoned Scorbunny with Poison Powder before a Double Kick let Goh make the catch, and the boys had to rush Scorbunny to the Pokémon Center afterwards (JN006). Since then it has been a familiar face among Goh's ever-growing collection, right up to This Could be the Start of Something Big! (JN136).
- JN006Working My Way Back to Mew! · vs Scorbunny Lost
First seen: DP088Camping It Up!
At the Pokémon Summer Academy, each student picked a Poké Ball at random and trained whatever was inside, and Conway, who first met Dawn as her Tag Battle partner, drew a Venonat. In a practice battle against the Grimer Dawn had drawn, Venonat seized control of Grimer's Sludge with Psychic, but Dawn answered Stun Spore with a spinning Poison Gas, a Counter Shield that impressed even Conway. The two were so evenly matched that the battle ended in a draw (DP088).
- DP088Camping It Up! · vs Grimer Draw
Ash & Venonat
Ash has never caught a Venonat, but he has crossed paths with plenty. His Bulbasaur beat Aya's Venonat twice, at the Fuchsia Gym (EP032) and at the Pokémon Jujitsu Academy (EP176), and Koga's Venonat evolved into Venomoth as soon as it was sent out against his Pidgeotto. Tracey's Venonat travelled with him across the Orange Islands, and years later Ash watched Goh catch one in Vermilion Forest (JN006).
Featured episodes
- JN029There's a New Kid in Town!In a flashback, little Chloe goes looking for her runaway Yamper in the park and runs into three Venonat, who leave her in tears. Yamper comes to the rescue, yapping until they scatter, and the Runaway Yamper Incident becomes the moment Chloe and Yamper finally put their rivalry behind them.
- JN141A Squad's Worth of Passion!A Trainer's missing Venonat is among the Pokémon trapped on the roof of a burning warehouse after Team Rocket's net sparks a fire. Charizard flies Ash's Squirtle and Bulbasaur up to the roof, where Squirtle douses the flames and Bulbasaur lifts the trapped Pokémon to safety with Vine Whip. Misty, still no fan of Bug types, ducks behind Brock when the Venonat gives her a fright.
More appearances
- EP028Pokémon Fashion Flash A Trainer's Venonat on Scissor Street is the species' first appearance.
- EP080Friends to the End A Trainer's Venonat attends the closing ceremony of the Indigo Plateau Conference.
- EP088In the Pink Pinkan Island is home to several pink Venonat.
- EP146Tricks of the Trade A Venonat is at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona.
- EP169Beauty and the Breeder A Pokémon Breeder's Venonat takes part in the Pokémon Beauty Contest.
- EP198The Heartbreak of Brock A Venonat lives at the laboratory run by Temacu's father.
- EP252Fangs for Nothin' A Venonat lives in the Dragon Holy Land.
- AG015Gonna Rule The School! The Pokémon Trainer's School keeps a Venonat among the Pokémon it lends to its young students for lessons.
- AG126Saved by the Beldum A Trainer's Venonat is seen during the Ever Grande Conference.
- AG143The Saffron Con A Coordinator's Venonat is caught up in Team Rocket's raid on the Saffron City Contest, and it goes on to compete in the Contest itself.
- AG191Once More With Reeling! A Coordinator enters two Venonat in the Terracotta Contest.
- DP099A Trainer and Child Reunion! A Venonat lives in the forest around Aaron's training centre.
- DP176Coming Full-Festival Circle! A Venonat listens as Nando plays his music.
- HZ001The Pendant That Starts It All (Part One) An Indigo Academy student has a Venonat at Liko's new school.
Beyond the main series
Anime gallery
Anime trivia
- Koga's Venonat evolved into Venomoth the moment it entered battle against Ash's Pidgeotto (EP032). In the Japanese version Brock wonders whether it is a ninja substitution trick, Kawarimi no Jutsu; the English dub calls it a "Metamorphosis attack".
- Ash's Bulbasaur has beaten Aya's Venonat twice: with Leech Seed at the Fuchsia Gym (EP032) and with an aerial Vine Whip at the Pokémon Jujitsu Academy (EP176).
- Tracey's Venonat evolved off screen: after Bulbasaur… the Ambassador! (EP225) it wasn't seen again until The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master! (JN147), by which time it had become a Venomoth – the first of Tracey's Pokémon ever to evolve.
- In Tracey Gets Bugged (EP097), Misty takes comfort that Tracey's Venonat and Marill are not Bug types. Venonat is, of course, half Bug.
- In Island Time (AG124), the castaway Robin's odd mask and fuzzy purple hair make him look so much like a Venonat that Max mistakes him for one at first glance.
- Rachael Lillis, the original English voice of Misty and Jessie, voiced Tracey's, Aya's and Conway's Venonat, while Rikako Aikawa voiced Tracey's, Aya's and Goh's in Japanese.
“Venonat, a Bug Pokémon. Its eyes function as radar, allowing it to see in the dark.”
Ash's Pokédex (Dexter) · EP032
05On the big screen
Venonat in the movies
1 Pikachu short featuring Venonat.
Venonat has never had a starring role in a Pokémon film. Its best part on the big screen came in a Pikachu short: in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure (1999), shown in cinemas alongside The Power of One, Tracey's Venonat is jolted awake by a tumbling Togepi and tags along on the adventure that follows, at one point holding on to a nest of Exeggcute. Watch closely when a Sandshrew grabs the nest – an animation slip briefly turns Venonat's hand pink.
Pikachu shorts
- PK04Pikachu's Rescue Adventure (1999) · Tracey's Venonat
When a sleepy Togepi tumbles back down a hill, it wakes up the Pokémon, and Tracey's Venonat is one of those jolted awake. Venonat then tags along on the adventure that follows, which revolves around a nest of Exeggcute, and at one point it's the one holding on to the nest. Watch that scene closely: when a Sandshrew grabs the nest, an animation slip turns Venonat's hand pink, the same colour as the Exeggcute. Tracey is in the short too, although his face is never shown. In cinemas it was shown alongside The Power of One.
06Trading Card Game · every card
Venonat in the Pokémon TCG
15 cards since 1999, oldest first. Tap any card to see it full size.
Venonat crawled into the card game in Japan's Pokémon Jungle in March 1997 and reached English players in Jungle in June 1999. It has stayed a humble Grass-type Basic ever since: no ex, EX, GX or V, and every English Venonat so far has been a Common, with HP creeping from 40 to 70. What its cards lack in sparkle they make up for in character. Its attacks read like a tour of its Pokédex entry: powders (Stun Spore, Poisonpowder), beams like the ones its Pokédex says those huge eyes can fire (Psybeam, Signal Beam, Beam) and, best of all, Radar Eyes, which sends it rummaging through your deck. Sabrina's Venonat in Gym Heroes even debuted a brand-new attack, Removal Beam, that other Pokémon have been firing ever since.
Its art tells a quieter story. Mitsuhiro Arita drew the first card, and Ken Sugimori, Kagemaru Himeno and Sumiyoshi Kizuki have each come back for a second go, Himeno nearly two decades after the first. Along the way Venonat has been an e-Reader card in Skyridge, appeared twice in one set in Unbroken Bonds, and opened Phantom Forces and Silver Tempest as card number 1. In Japan there's also a glossy vending-machine Venonat from 1998, and in TCG Pocket it plays a small part in a bigger picture, sitting at the feet of the Snorlax blocking Route 12.
Cards to know
- Jungle 63/64 — Where it all began: Mitsuhiro Arita's Venonat can paralyse with Stun Spore and sips back its health with Leech Life.
- Gym Heroes 96/132 (Sabrina's Venonat) — Sabrina's bug fires a Psychic-powered Removal Beam. The Energy-zapping attack debuted on this card and lives on as Destructive Beam on cards such as Porygon2 and Yveltal.
- Skyridge 112/144 — An e-Reader card: scan its dot-code strip with three other Skyridge cards to play Follow Hoothoot.
- Unbroken Bonds 9/214 — Radar Eyes turns Venonat's see-in-the-dark eyes into a deck search: look at seven cards, keep the best one.
- 151 048/165 — Kagemaru Himeno draws Venonat again 19 years after EX FireRed & LeafGreen, and at 70 HP this is the toughest one yet.
- TCG Pocket Genetic Apex 016/226 — One quarter of a four-card story: Venonat is stuck on Route 12 behind a snoozing Snorlax.
Every English-language card
Japan-exclusive cards
Pokémon TCG Pocket
Digital card games
- Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color): Jungle Venonat (Mitsuhiro Arita), card D05, from the Laboratory booster pack; it turns up in the Insect Collection, Jungle and Kaleidoscope decks, the last of them played by Grass Club member Heather.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Jungle Venonat again, card D12, in the Psychic Battle pack; GR Grass Fort member Midori runs three in her Insect Collection Deck, and Card Dungeon master Bishop three in his Texture Tuner 7 Deck.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): the vending-machine Venonat (Sumiyoshi Kizuki), card A08, Common, in the Beginning Pokémon pack; it fills the Ominous Meadow, Remaining Green (Brittany), Glittering Scales (Kristin, four copies) and Natural Science (David) decks.
The artists behind the cards
- Ken Sugimori — 2 (Sabrina's Venonat in Gym Heroes 96, Secret Wonders 116)
- Kagemaru Himeno — 2 (EX FireRed & LeafGreen 84, 151 048), 19 years apart
- Sumiyoshi Kizuki — 2 (the Japan-only vending-machine card of 1998, Phantom Forces 1 in 2014)
- Mitsuhiro Arita — 1 (Jungle 63, reprinted in Base Set 2)
- One artwork each: Masako Yamashita (Neo Destiny 90), Tomokazu Komiya (Skyridge 112), Hideaki Hakozaki (Triumphant 81), kirisAki (Unbroken Bonds 9), Yuka Morii (Unbroken Bonds 10), Sekio (Silver Tempest 001) and HYOGONOSUKE (TCG Pocket Genetic Apex 016)
07On the page & beyond
Venonat in manga, books & other media
From the earliest manga to story books and songs.
Venonat's eyes are the star of its media career. Scholastic's Secret of the Pink Pokémon has Tracey's Venonat put its sharp sight to work in the hunt for the Crystal Onix, and Satoshi Tajiri's own lyrics for the Bug Pokémon song in the Singing Pokémon Encyclopedia series celebrate its radar eyes and eye beams. In the manga it plays smaller parts: it perches on Blaine's head in Pokémon Zensho, gets scared off with bug spray in Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!, and turns up in Emerald's flashback in Pokémon Adventures. It's named in the English Pokérap and Japan's Pokémon Ieru Kana?, appears with Tracey's other Pokémon in the animation for the Japanese opening The Rivals, and one English guidebook got its quiz in a muddle by claiming that Venonat, a Pokémon with no wings, likes to fly towards bright lights.
Manga
Books
Other media
More from the page
08Did you know?
Venonat trivia
Name origins, design secrets and the facts that make Venonat such a fan favourite.
What’s in a name?
Venonat's English name is a compact little sting: 'venom' plus 'gnat', the tiny fly that hovers in clouds on summer evenings – apt for a poisonous bug that comes alive after dark. Its Japanese name, Konpan (trademarked as Kongpang), nods to 'compound' – as in the compound eyes that dominate its face – or to konchū, the Japanese word for insect.
Design origins
Venonat is a fuzzy grab-bag of creepy-crawlies. Its round, hairy body and tiny legs bring to mind fleas and mites, while those enormous compound eyes are pure fly. Owlflies – lacewing relatives with big, bulging eyes – and flightless moths have been suggested as inspirations too, and its poison-oozing fur recalls venomous caterpillars whose bristles sting anyone who touches them. The radar-like eyes even look a little like parabolic antennas, the dish-shaped receivers used for radar and satellite signals. Fans have long enjoyed a theory that Butterfree and Venomoth were swapped during development, because Venonat's big red compound eyes look so much like Butterfree's – a fun idea, but one Game Freak has never confirmed.
Names around the world
| Language | Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | コンパン Konpan | From 'compound eye' or konchū (insect) |
| French | Mimitoss | From mimi (cute), mite (moth) and possibly grosse (big) |
| Spanish | Venonat | Same as the English name |
| German | Bluzuk | From Blut (blood) and zutzeln (Bavarian for 'to suck') |
| Italian | Venonat | Same as the English name |
| Korean | 콘팡 Konpang | Transcription of the Japanese name |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 毛球 Máoqiú | From 毛 máo (hair), 毛虫 máochóng (caterpillar) and 球 qiú (ball) |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Venonat | Same as the English name |
| Russian | Венонат Venonat | Transcription of the English name |
| Hindi | वेनोनैट Venonat | Transcription of the English name |
| Thai | คองปัง Khongpang | Transcription of the Japanese name |
| Lithuanian | Venonatas | From the English name |
Did you know?
- Venonat and Venomoth waited almost 22 years for a place in a brand-new regional Pokédex: after Crystal (2000), the next was Scarlet and Violet's, if you don't count remakes.
- Evolution makes it lighter: Venonat weighs 30.0 kg, while the winged Venomoth weighs just 12.5 kg.
- In Pokémon Yellow, Koga's Gym team was changed to three Venonat and a Venomoth, echoing his team in the anime.
- In the anime, Koga's Venonat evolves into Venomoth right after being sent out against Ash's Pidgeotto in 'The Ninja Poké-Showdown'.
- A Venonat was Tracey's first known Pokémon, and he used it to see at night or over long distances; by the time Tracey turned up again at the very end of Ash's journey, it had become a Venomoth.
- On Pinkan Island in the Orange Islands, even the Venonat are pink.
- In Red and Green, the international Red and Blue, and FireRed and LeafGreen, a girl at the Cinnabar Lab will trade you her Tangela – but only for a Venonat.
- Pokémon Stadium's Gym Leader Castle gives Koga a Venonat in his first-round team.
- Ruby and Sapphire's Pokédex says its eyes never fail to spot even 'miniscule' prey – Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire reused the entry with the spelling corrected to 'minuscule'.
- Scarlet updated Silver's old entry: the 'small bugs' Venonat hunts became 'small bug Pokémon'.
- Venonat loves showing off in Mystery Dungeon: 'The beams from my eyes make it safe in darkness!' it says in Red and Blue Rescue Team.
- In Pokémon Pokopia it has the Search specialty, helping you dig up buried treasure with the Dowsing Machine.
- Its German name, Bluzuk, makes it a little bloodsucker – Blut (blood) plus the Bavarian word zutzeln (to suck).
- In Chinese it is simply 毛球 Máoqiú – literally a 'hair ball'.
09Quizzes, archive & further reading
More Venonat
Test yourself
Professor Oak's Kanto Quiz: BeginnerProfessor Oak has a few questions before you set foot in the tall grass. How well do you know the region where it all began?Take the quiz →
Who's That Pokémon? Kanto: BeginnerIt's the classic challenge! Can you name these original 151 Pokémon from their silhouettes alone?Take the quiz →
Indigo League Anime: IntermediateGrab your cap and set off on Ash's very first adventure. How much do you remember from the Indigo League days?Take the quiz →
Pokémon Horizons Anime: BeginnerAll aboard for a brand-new adventure! See how well you know Liko, Roy and the crew of Pokémon Horizons: The Series.Take the quiz →
Pokémon TCG: IntermediateShuffle up and draw! From the very first booster packs to the digital age, how well do you know the Pokémon Trading Card Game?Take the quiz →
Pokémon General Knowledge: IntermediateReady to dig deeper? Test what you know about where Pokémon came from, the people behind it and its many spin-offs.Take the quiz →From the archive: Gengar’s Online Pokédex
Before this page, Pokémon Dungeon was home to Gengar’s Online Pokédex, the classic fan Pokédex for Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver & Crystal by Curtis Alumbaugh (Gengar) with Ian Alumbaugh (Haunter). Its Venonat entry is preserved in full, with its original art, moves and locations.
Further reading
Pokémon and all related names, artwork, sprites, screenshots and card images are © Nintendo, Creatures Inc., GAME FREAK inc. and The Pokémon Company, used here for fan commentary. Images via the Bulbagarden Archives. Page updated 29 October 2026.