Swarm boosts Bug moves for Mothim at C-Tier in Platinum. Evolves from male Burmy regardless of cloak form. Bug/Flying-type attacks and decent Sp.Atk, but Stealth Rock strips 25%.
Ability 1SwarmAbility 1Strengthens bug moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Burmy
Mothim
Wormadam
Wormadam (Sandy Cloak)
Wormadam (Trash Cloak)
424HP70Attack94Defense50Speed66Sp.Def50Sp.Atk94
Weak to
Special
Balanced
66Speed · Below Avg

Is Mothim Good in Platinum Playthrough?

Male Burmy evolves at level 20. Bug/Flying with AbilitySwarm. Decent special Attack but frail. Outclassed by Beautifly at the same role and available from the same source.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadBEGGGETTTEEEEGEEEEGETEGGGEGETTEEEGGGGTETTGGGEGGGGEEEGEGGGTEEERoarkGym 1BurmyCatchableMothimWormadamWormadam (Sandy Cloak)Wormadam (Trash Cloak)EvolveGardeniaGym 2FantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8AaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Bad

Roark's Pokemon outpace and outclass Burmy here.

Avoid
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Avoid
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
Avoid
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Even

Wormadam trades roughly evenly with Gardenia's team.

You Win
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
Even
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
Risky
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Gardenia
Gym 2

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Gardenia:

Fantina
Gym 3
Even

Wormadam trades roughly evenly with Fantina's team.

Even
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
Risky
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Risky
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Fantina
Gym 3

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Fantina:

Maylene
Gym 4
Even

Wormadam trades roughly evenly with Maylene's team.

Even
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
Even
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
Risky
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Maylene
Gym 4

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Maylene:

Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Good

Wormadam has the type edge here and should clean up Crasher Wake's team.

Even
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
Easy KO
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
You Win
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Crasher Wake
Gym 5

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Crasher Wake:

Byron
Gym 6
Even

Wormadam trades roughly evenly with Byron's team.

Even
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
Even
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
You Win
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Byron
Gym 6

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Byron:

Candice
Gym 7
Even

Wormadam trades roughly evenly with Candice's team.

Even
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
Even
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
Even
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Candice
Gym 7

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Candice:

Volkner
Gym 8
Even

Wormadam trades roughly evenly with Volkner's team.

You Win
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt Absorb
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
You Win
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
Even
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Even
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor Drive
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Volkner
Gym 8

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Volkner:

Aaron
Elite Four
Tough

Aaron's team hits Wormadam's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
Avoid
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
Even
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
Risky
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Risky
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Aaron
Elite Four

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Aaron:

Bertha
Elite Four
Good

Wormadam has the type edge here and should clean up Bertha's team.

Easy KO
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
Risky
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
You Win
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
You Win
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
You Win
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Bertha
Elite Four

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Bertha:

Flint
Elite Four
Tough

Flint's team hits Wormadam's weaknesses hard.

Even
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
Risky
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash Fire
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
Risky
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
Risky
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Risky
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Flint
Elite Four

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Flint:

Lucian
Elite Four
Good

Wormadam has the type edge here and should clean up Lucian's team.

You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
You Win
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
Even
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
You Win
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Risky
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Lucian
Elite Four

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Lucian:

Jupiter
Commander
Good

Wormadam has the type edge here and should clean up Jupiter's team.

You Win
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
You Win
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Jupiter
Commander

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Jupiter:

Mars
Commander
Even

Wormadam trades roughly evenly with Mars's team.

Even
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
Even
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
Even
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Mars
Commander

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Mars:

Saturn
Commander
Even

Wormadam trades roughly evenly with Saturn's team.

Even
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
Even
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
Even
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Saturn
Commander

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Saturn:

Cynthia
Champion
Tough

Cynthia's team hits Wormadam's weaknesses hard.

Even
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
Risky
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
Avoid
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
Risky
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
You Win
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
Risky
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact
Cynthia
Champion

Your evolution path matters here. Pick a branch to see how it fares against Cynthia:

Catch Burmy

Available after Badge 1
Type
Bug
Tier
F

Catch Burmy on Floaroma Meadow (Honey Tree, Lv 5-15, common).

View Burmy locations

Evolve Burmy to Mothim

Level 20
Type
BugFlying
Tier
C

Burmy evolves into Mothim at Level 20. Your Burmy should hit Level 20 before you reach Gardenia, at typical leveling pace.

Recommended Moves

  • After Fantina
    • LV 41FlyingAir SlashPower 113Accuracy 95%PP 20
  • After Candice
    • LV 47BugBug BuzzPower 135Accuracy 100%PP 10
  • Post-Game
    • TUTORBugSignal BeamPower 113Accuracy 100%PP 15Survival Area
    • TM53GrassEnergy BallPower 80Accuracy 100%PP 10Route 226
    • TM42NormalFacadePower 70Accuracy 100%PP 20Survival Area

Evolve Burmy to Wormadam

Level up
Type
BugGrass
Tier
C

Usually ready to evolve before you reach Gardenia, at typical party pace.

Recommended Moves

  • After Fantina
  • After Candice
    • LV 47GrassLeaf StormPower 210Accuracy 90%PP 5
  • Post-Game
    • TM53GrassEnergy BallPower 120Accuracy 100%PP 10Route 226
    • TUTORGrassSeed BombPower 120Accuracy 100%PP 15Survival Area
    • TUTORBugSignal BeamPower 113Accuracy 100%PP 15Survival Area
    • TUTORPoisonGunk ShotPower 120Accuracy 70%PP 5Survival Area
    • TUTORGroundEarth PowerPower 90Accuracy 100%PP 10Survival Area
    • TM42NormalFacadePower 70Accuracy 100%PP 20Survival Area

How to Get Mothim in Platinum

Mothim is the male side of the Burmy split, never found wild. Raise a male Burmy from the honey trees to level 20 and it becomes Mothim regardless of which cloak it wore.

Wild Mothim may be holding when caught:

Silver Powder (5% chance) An item to be held by a Pokemon. It is a shiny, silver powder that ups the power of Bug-type moves.

Catch Burmy at any of these 18 spots to eventually evolve into Mothim.

  1. 1
    Catch Burmy
  2. 2
    Evolve Mothimat Lv.20
Badge 1
Badge 2
Badge 3
Badge 4
Badge 5
Badge 6
Badge 7
Badge 8

How to Get Shiny Mothim in Platinum

Mothim comes from a male Burmy, so hatch a shiny Burmy from a foreign Ditto, then evolve it. Compare Shiny Mothim odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Mothim in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Mothim in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftYellowtoBlue
Shiny TierC Tier Shiny

Platinum Shiny Mothim Calculator

2 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is Masuda Method, about 1 in 1,639 on each try.

Step 1 · Encounter Method2 in Platinum

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 1,639Masuda Method
Chance By Now50.0%at 1,136 eggs hatchedAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few173----
25%one in four472----
50%coin flip1,136----
90%very likely3,773----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

Curious how fast a hunt could go? Work out your Platinum shiny odds for Mothim.

Mothim Weakness

Type-wise, Mothim takes extra damage from Rock, Fire, Electric, Ice, and Flying. Watch out for Rock attacks, those deal 4x damage. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity.

Mothim Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
4x (Critical)Rock
2x (Weak)Fire, Electric, Ice, Flying
0.5x (Resist)Bug
0.25x (Resist)Grass, Fighting
0x (Immune)Ground
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Mothim Weak Against

Vulnerable
5Weak
3Resist
1Immune
Score-4
4xCritical
½xResist
¼xResist
0xImmune

What is Mothim Strong Against

5Strong
1Resisted
0Immune
Score+4
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Mothim

Aerodactyl
Aerodactyl
RockFlying
B
C
Probopass
Probopass
RockSteel
C
Graveler
Graveler
RockGround
C
Solrock
Solrock
RockPsychic
C

Mothim Evolutions

Mothim is one of 2 ways Burmy's chain can end. This one takes the level-up path, while the siblings go different directions. Breed through Burmy to get eggs. Evolving from Burmy gave Mothim the biggest boost in Attack (+65), bringing the total to 424 stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

4 Evolutions
Stat Comparison 5 Forms
Mothim
BugFlying
Wormadam
BugGrass
HP
40
70+30
60+20
60+20
60+20
ATK
29
94+65
59+30
79+50
69+40
DEF
45
50+5
85+40
105+60
95+50
SP.ATK
29
94+65
79+50
59+30
69+40
SP.DEF
45
50+5
105+60
85+40
95+50
SPE
36
66+30
36
36
36
BST
224F-Tier
424C-Tier+200
424C-Tier+200
424D-Tier+200
424D-Tier+200
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
Balanced
TYPE
Utility
Mixed
Special
Physical
Utility

Breeding

Moderate

Breed with Mothim to get Burmy eggs using 48 partners from the Bug egg group.

Egg Groups
Bug
Gender
♂100.0%
Hatch Time
15 cycles·3,855 steps
Quick~4 min with Flame Body
Breed With (best first)
flygondrapionmasquerainvolbeatillumiseparasectvibravaskorupiparastrapinchsurskitshuckle

Pt Mothim Best Moveset

Bug/Flying loses 25% from MoveStealth Rock per switch, and 50 in both defenses fold fast. 94 in both Attack stats and 66 Speed give the moveset mixed options, but the fragility is the real story.

Best Build

Experimental
Special Sweeper
Ability
Swarm
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Mothim
Timid+SPE

Mothim best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed

EVs

Special Sweeper Moveset

  • Hidden Power Water
  • PsychicCoverage
  • Bug BuzzSTAB
  • Air SlashSTAB

Moves List

TMs define Mothim's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Bug Buzz and Air Slash, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it coverage across 7 types. That's where the options open up.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Tackle
D3510035Normal
Lv 10
Protect+4
C——10Normal
Lv 15
Bug Bite
C9010020Bug
Lv 20
Hidden Power
D6010015Normal
Lv 23
Confusion
D5010025Psychic
Lv 26
Gust
D6010035Flying
Lv 29
Poison Powder
——7535Poison
Lv 32
Psybeam
C6510020Psychic
Lv 35
Camouflage
———20Normal
Lv 38
Silver Wind
C901005Bug
Lv 41
Air Slash
S1129520Flying
Lv 44
Psychic
S9010010Psychic
Lv 47
Bug Buzz
S13510010Bug

TM Moves

34 of 36 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceRoute 213badge 3
C90—20Flying
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
HM05
DefogSolaceon Ruinsbadge 3
D——15Flying
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM85
Dream EaterValor Lakefrontnot until badge 7
C10010015Psychic
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——10Normal
TM53
Energy BallRoute 226
C8010010Grass
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
C7010020Normal
TM70D—10020Normal
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D—10020Normal
TM19
Giga DrainRoute 209badge 5
C6010010Grass
TM68
Giga ImpactVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
B150905Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D6010015Normal
TM15B150905Normal
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D—10015Normal
TM17C——10Normal
TM77
Psych UpRoute 211badge 5
———10Normal
TM29
PsychicVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
S9010010Psychic
TM44C——10Psychic
TM27D—10020Normal
TM51
RoostRoute 210badge 3
C——10Flying
TM20D——25Normal
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—7010020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallRoute 210badge 5
C8010015Ghost
TM62
Silver WindRoute 212badge 4
C901005Bug
TM48
Skill SwapCanalave Citybadge 5
———10Psychic
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM22C12010010Grass
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerPokémon Mansionbadge 4
——9015Normal
TM46
ThiefEterna Citybadge 2
D6010025Dark
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 4
C—8510Poison
TM89C10510020Bug

Egg Moves

Mothim doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Air Cutter
C829525Flying
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Ominous Wind
D601005Ghost
Tutor
Signal Beam
C11210015Bug
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Swift
—60—20Normal
Tutor
Twister
—4010020Dragon

Base Stats

Base Stats
Above
HP70
C
Attack94
B
Defense50
D
Sp. Atk94
B
Sp. Def50
D
Speed66
C
Total424
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging45 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height0.9 m
Weight23.3 kg
Base XP148
Abilities
Swarm
Strengthens bug moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
EV Yield
HPAtk+1DefSpA+1SpDSpe
Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

While it loves floral honey, it won’t gather any itself. Instead, it plots to steal some from COMBEE.

Pokemon Platinum

Mothim Platinum Guide

  • In Platinum, Mothim can work for a story run. It rates C-Tier, a middle-of-the-pack pick, so the Bug/Flying typing decides whether it earns a team slot.

  • In Platinum, Mothim plays as a balanced. Not the fastest, so pick your spots carefully.

  • In Platinum, Timid is the go-to nature for Mothim. That's +Speed / -Attack. Pair it with 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe EVs. Fits the balanced role.

  • In Platinum, Mothim pairs best with Camerupt, Lunatone, and Plusle. Camerupt has Excellent synergy and covers what Mothim can't handle on its own.

Game Availability

Mothim first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 11 games across 6 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.

Explore

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