Spinarak is a Bug/Poison-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II. This small arachnid Pokémon resembles a green spider with black eyes, white pupils, and a white horn on its forehead. It has three pairs of yellow legs with black bands around the middle. Spinarak's most distinctive feature is the pattern on its abdomen, which resembles a face and can change expression. This face-like pattern serves to deter predators.
Known as the String Spit Pokémon, Spinarak is renowned for its ability to spin incredibly strong webs. These webs are so durable that they can withstand having stones set on them and are often used by fishermen as nets to catch fish Pokémon. Spinarak's web is not just a tool for catching prey; it also acts as an extension of its nervous system. The Pokémon can determine what kind of prey is touching its web just by sensing the tiny vibrations through the web's strands.
Spinarak is a nocturnal hunter, patiently waiting in its web for days until unsuspecting prey wanders close. Its preferred prey is Cutiefly, and it will wait intently for one to get caught in its web. Although Spinarak's poison is not particularly strong, it is potent enough to weaken prey that becomes ensnared in its web.
Pokédex Data
- Height: 0.5 m (1'08")
- Weight: 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs)
- Type: Bug/Poison
- Abilities: Swarm, Insomnia, Sniper (Hidden Ability)
- Habitat: Temperate and tropical forests
Breeding
- Gender Ratio: 50% male, 50% female
- Egg Group: Bug
- Egg Cycles: 15 (3,599–3,855 steps)
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Gold: It lies still in the same pose for days in its web, waiting for its unsuspecting prey to wander close.
- Silver: It spins a web using fine--but durable--thread. It then waits patiently for prey to be trapped.
- Crystal: If prey becomes ensnared in its nest of spun string, it waits motionlessly until it becomes dark.
- Ruby/Sapphire: The web spun by Spinarak can be considered its second nervous system. It is said that this Pokémon can determine what kind of prey is touching its web just by the tiny vibrations it feels through the web's strands.
- Scarlet: Even while there are prey ensnared in its nest of spun thread, Spinarak will wait motionlessly until darkness falls.
- Violet: Some fishers weave its sturdy thread into nets to catch fish Pokémon.
Evolution
Spinarak evolves into Ariados at level 22.
Habits and Additions Across Generations
In the anime, Spinarak's silk has been shown to have additional uses beyond catching prey. It can be used for facial treatments and for patching up skin wounds. In Generation II, Spinarak and its evolved form, Ariados, were the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Spider Web. Before Generation V, this was Spinarak's signature move. In later generations, Spinarak and Ariados became the only Pokémon that can learn Toxic Thread.