Almost nobody uses Ledyba in battle. It exists to evolve into Ledian, which is a completely different story. Get it there and you won't regret it. Been around since Gen 2. Ground moves can't touch it, which offsets the 5 weaknesses somewhat.
Ledyba's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Def leads, Attack trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Sp. Def EV, on a fast 800K XP curve.
They are timid and grow uneasy when not in a swarm with others of their kind. The pattern on their backs differs slightly from one to another.
They communicate with one another using bodily fluids that give off odors. When they’re angry, their odor smells sour.
Ledyba Weakness
VulnerableRock, Fire, Electric, Ice, and Flying-type moves hit Ledyba for super-effective damage. Rock hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. The upside? Ground-type moves can't touch it at all. Ledyba's special bulk (base 80 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
Ledyba evolves into Ledian. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. No compatible partners for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are quick to hatch. The evolved forms gain up to 125 total stats over Ledyba.
How to Evolve
Breed Ledyba easily from the Bug egg group. Pass egg moves like Bide, Bug Bite, Bug Buzz and 9 more to offspring.
Ledyba's built to absorb hits. Bold nature leans into physical wall duty, Eviolite gives it a bulk boost that only works before full evolution, and Roost handles sustain. Earlybird and max HP and Defense EVs tie the defensive profile together.
Best Build
Best Ledyba Moveset
- Air Slash
- Encore
- Roost
- Safeguard
Recommended Teammates
Without breeding, Ledyba misses out on Bide and Bug Bite. That's 12 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Bug Buzz and Air Slash, with coverage across 8 types rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
6 encounter spots for Ledyba at decent spawn rates starting from early-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Best Locations
Which version you're playing matters for Ledyba. 6 walking spots at Lv. 2-13 spread across Moon and Sun, and some routes only appear in one cartridge. Check the version badges below.
Ledyba isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Ledian to unlock its full potential. At 265 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Watch for Golem (Rock), Arcanine (Fire), and Jolteon (Electric) when using Ledyba. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Golem is the most dangerous since Rock moves deal 4x damage. Ice and Flying-type attackers are also a problem. With 5 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter.
Ledyba evolves into Ledian at level 18. Ledyba is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Swarm strengthens bug moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less — that's the one you want on Ledyba. Rattled is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Early Bird works too if your team needs something different.
Ledyba fills the support role. It's leaning toward the special side (base 40 Sp. Atk). At base 55 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Ledyba appears in 15 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Ledyba first appeared in Gold & Silver and has been available in 15 games across 8 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A