Dunsparce is a Normal-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II. It is a serpentine creature with a primarily yellow body, blue underside, and blue-and-cream-striped back. Dunsparce has a round head with a wide mouth, closed eyes, and two tiny white wings on its upper back. Its body ends in a drill-like tail, which it uses to burrow into the ground and create maze-like nests.
Despite its small wings, Dunsparce can float slightly, leading some scientists to believe it could fly in ancient times. It avoids detection by quickly burrowing into the ground when spotted. Interestingly, Dunsparce shares tunnels with Diglett, demonstrating a cooperative relationship between the two species.
Dunsparce's Japanese name, Nokocchi, is an anagram of "tsuchinoko," a cryptid snake-like creature from Japanese folklore. This connection to folklore adds an intriguing layer to Dunsparce's design and origin.
Pokédex Data
- Category: Land Snake Pokémon
- Height: 4'11" (1.5 m)
- Weight: 30.9 lbs (14.0 kg)
- Abilities: Serene Grace, Run Away, Rattled (Hidden Ability)
Breeding
- Egg Groups: Field
- Gender Ratio: 50% male, 50% female
- Egg Cycles: 20
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Gold: When spotted, this Pokémon escapes backward by furiously boring into the ground with its tail.
- Silver: If spotted, it escapes by burrowing with its tail. It can float just slightly using its wings.
- Crystal: It hides deep inside caves where no light ever reaches it and remains virtually motionless there.
- Sword: This Pokémon's tiny wings have some scientists saying that Dunsparce used to fly through the sky in ancient times.
- Shield: The nests Dunsparce live in are mazes of tunnels. They never get lost in their own nests—they can tell where they are by the scent of the dirt.
Evolutions
In Generation IX, Dunsparce evolves into Dudunsparce when leveled up while knowing Hyper Drill. Dudunsparce has two forms: Two-Segment Form (99% chance) and Three-Segment Form (1% chance).
Habits
Dunsparce is known for creating complex, maze-like nests deep underground using its drill-like tail. It can navigate these intricate tunnels without getting lost by using its sense of smell. When threatened, Dunsparce quickly burrows into the ground to escape.
Additions Across Generations
Generation VI introduced Dunsparce's hidden ability, Rattled. In Generation IX, Dunsparce gained an evolution, Dudunsparce, and the ability to learn the signature move Hyper Drill. These additions have increased Dunsparce's viability in battles and added new depth to its character in the Pokémon world.