Nincada (Pokémon)

← #289: Slaking

Pokémon

#291: Ninjask →

Nincada ツチニン Tutinin #290
Art by Ken Sugimori from Ruby and Sapphire
Types  Bug  Ground   Bug   Bug   Bug   Bug   Bug	Species Trainee Pokémon
Abilities Compoundeyes ----- Run Away Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 600,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #— Johto #— Hoenn #042 Sinnoh #— Unova #— Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-031 Almia R— Oblivia R— Oblivia (past) N— Not in any regional Browser
Height 1'08" Imperial 0.5m Metric 1'08"/0.5m 0.0m	Weight 12.1lbs Imperial 5.5kg Metric 12.1lbs/5.5kg 0.0kg
Dex color Gray	Footprint
Body style	Catch rate 255 33.3%
Gender ratio Genderless Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Bug group 16 cycles (4080 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 1 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 65 Battle Exp.: 651*
External links On Legendary Pokémon Pokédex: Generation III Generation IV On Smogon Pokédex: Generation III Generation IV Generation V On Eevee's Pokédex On Psypoke Pokédex On Pokecharms Pokédex (Gen. III-IV) On Marriland Pokédex Generation IV Generation V Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Nincada (Japanese: ツチニン Tutinin) is a dual-type Bug/Ground Pokémon.

It evolves into Ninjask starting at level 20. Additionally, if the player has a spare slot in the party and an extra Poké Ball, a Shedinja will appear in the player's party when Nincada evolves. An extra Poké Ball is not necessary to obtain Shedinja in Generation III.

Contents 1 Biology 1.1 Physiology 1.1.1 Gender differences 1.1.2 Special abilities 1.2 Behavior 1.3 Habitat 1.4 Diet 2 In the anime 2.1 Major appearances 2.2 Minor appearances 2.3 Pokédex entries 3 In the manga 3.1 Pokémon Adventures 4 In the TCG 5 Game data 5.1 Pokédex entries 5.2 Game locations 5.2.1 In side games 5.3 Stats 5.3.1 Base stats 5.3.2 Pokéathlon stats 5.4 Type effectiveness 5.5 Learnset 5.5.1 By leveling up 5.5.2 By TM/HM 5.5.3 By breeding 5.5.4 By tutoring 5.6 Side game data 5.7 Evolution 5.8 Sprites 6 Trivia 6.1 Origin 6.1.1 Name origin 7 In other languages 8 External links

Biology

Physiology

Nincada is a small, whitish insect Pokémon. Nincada's hind legs are white and the forelegs are brown. Nincada has small, green wings on its back, a small pointed snout, and whisker-like antenna on its face. Nincada has a thin stripe that dips in a “V”-shaped pattern between its eyes. It has black eyes with green iris-like rings inside.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Because of its sharp claws, Nincada has access to moves such as Fury Swipes and Metal Claw.

Behavior

Using its whisker like antennae, it probes its surroundings in the pitch-black darkness of soil. Nincada can't withstand bright sunlight so it avoids it. Nincada uses its sharp claws to carve the roots of trees and absorb moisture and nutrients.

Habitat

Nincada live buried in soil and will usually remain underground until they evolve. They stay away from sunlight.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Nincada sustain themselves by drinking nutrients from tree roots.

In the anime

Major appearances

Nincada first appeared in A Three Team Scheme. It belonged to a boy named Keanu, who lived in his secret base in solitude.

Minor appearances

In Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Part One, Kellyn used his Capture Styler on a Nincada and had it Dig a pit trap for J's Henchmen to fall in.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry AG027 Nincada Ash's Pokédex Nincada, the Trainee Pokémon. Nincada lives most of its life inside the earth and uses its sharp claws to tap into tree roots extracting nutrients and moisture. This concludes the entries from the Advanced Generation series.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

A Nincada belonging to originally belonging to Aqua Admin Shelly appeared in VS. Ninjask, where it was given to fellow admin Amber. Amber's new Pokémon soon evolved into Ninjask, leaving behind a Shedinja, as well.

In the TCG

Main article: Nincada (TCG)

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III. Generation I Red Blue {{{redbluedex}}} Yellow {{{yellowdex}}} Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}} Generation II Gold {{{golddex}}} Silver {{{silverdex}}} Crystal {{{crystaldex}}} Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald {{{rsedex}}} Ruby Sapphire {{{rsdex}}} Ruby Nincada lives underground for many years in complete darkness. This Pokémon absorbs nutrients from the roots of trees. It stays motionless as it waits for evolution. Sapphire Nincada lives underground. It uses its sharp claws to carve the roots of trees and absorb moisture and nutrients. This Pokémon can't withstand bright sunlight so avoids it. Emerald It makes its nest at the roots of a mighty tree. Using its whiskerlike antennae, it probes its surroundings in the pitch-black darkness of soil. FireRed LeafGreen Because it lived almost entirely underground, it is nearly blind. It uses its antennae instead. FireRed {{{firereddex}}} LeafGreen {{{leafgreendex}}} Generation IV Diamond Pearl {{{dpdex}}} Diamond Pearl Platinum It grows underground, sensing its surroundings using antennae instead of its virtually blind eyes. Diamond {{{diamonddex}}} Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold SoulSilver It can sometimes live underground for more than 10 years. It absorbs nutrients from the roots of trees. HeartGold {{{heartgolddex}}} SoulSilver {{{soulsilverdex}}} Generation V Black White It grows underground, sensing its surroundings using antennae instead of its virtually blind eyes. Black {{{blackdex}}} White {{{whitedex}}}  ??? No Pokédex data is available.

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III. Generation I Red Blue None Trade Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Trade Generation II Gold Silver None Trade Crystal None Trade Generation III Ruby Sapphire Uncommon Route 116 Emerald Uncommon Route 116 FireRed LeafGreen None Trade Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade Generation IV Diamond Pearl Rare Eterna Forest (Poké Radar) Platinum Rare Eterna Forest (Poké Radar) HeartGold SoulSilver Common National Park (Bug-Catching Contest) Pal Park Forest Generation V Black White None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Forest
Pokémon Trozei!	Secret Storage 13 Endless Level 20 Forever Level 6 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Lapis Cave (1F-4F) Wish Cave (44F-49F) Joyous Tower (45F-49F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Quicksand Cave (B1-B7) Midnight Forest (B1-B24)
Pokémon Ranger	Lyra Forest
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Forest: Misty Edgewater

Stats

Base stats

Stat	Range
	At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 31	91 - 138	172 - 266
Attack: 45	45 - 106	85 - 207
Defense: 90	85 - 156	166 - 306
Sp.Atk: 30	31 - 90	58 - 174
Sp.Def: 30	31 - 90	58 - 174
Speed: 40	40 - 101	76 - 196
Total: 266   Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 2/3 ★★☆	Power 2/3 ★★☆
Skill 3/4 ★★★☆	Stamina 3/5 ★★★☆☆
Jump 2/3 ★★☆	Total 12/18 ★★☆

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:
Weak to Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 2× Poison ½× Ground ½× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None	Resistant against Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 2× Poison ½× Ground ½× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None	Unaffected by Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 2× Poison ½× Ground ½× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None	Damaged normally by Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 2× Poison ½× Ground ½× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 0× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V Other generations: III - IV
Level	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
Start	Scratch	Normal	Physical	40	100%	35
Start	Harden	Normal	Status	—	—%	30
5	Leech Life	Bug	Physical	20	100%	15
9	Sand-Attack	Ground	Status	—	100%	15
14	Fury Swipes	Normal	Physical	18	80%	15
19	Mind Reader	Normal	Status	—	—%	5
25	False Swipe	Normal	Physical	40	100%	40
31	Mud-Slap	Ground	Special	20	100%	10
38	Metal Claw	Steel	Physical	50	95%	35
45	Dig	Ground	Physical	80	100%	10
A level of "Start" indicates a move that will be known by a Nincada obtained at level 1 in Generation V Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nincada Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nincada Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V Other generations: III - IV
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM01	Hone Claws	Dark	Status	—	—%	15
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	—	90%	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
	TM28	Dig	Ground	Physical	80	100%	10
	TM30	Shadow Ball	Ghost	Special	80	100%	15
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	—	—%	15
	TM37	Sandstorm	Rock	Status	—	—%	10
	TM40	Aerial Ace	Flying	Physical	60	—%	20
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	70	100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	—	—%	10
	TM48	Round	Normal	Special	60	100%	15
	TM54	False Swipe	Normal	Physical	40	100%	40
	TM70	Flash	Normal	Status	—	100%	20
	TM76	Struggle Bug	Bug	Special	30	100%	20
	TM81	X-Scissor	Bug	Physical	80	100%	15
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	—	90%	15
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
	HM01	Cut	Normal	Physical	50	95%	30
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nincada Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nincada Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V Other generations: III - IV
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Bug Bite	Bug	Physical	60	100%	20
	Bug Buzz	Bug	Special	90	100%	10
	Endure	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
	Final Gambit	Fighting	Special	—	100%	5
	Faint Attack	Dark	Physical	60	—%	20
	Gust	Flying	Special	40	100%	35
	Night Slash	Dark	Physical	70	100%	15
	Silver Wind	Bug	Special	60	100%	5
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Nincada in Generation V Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Nincada in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nincada Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nincada Click on the generation numbers at the top to see egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation V Other generations: III - IV
Game		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Nincada can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Nincada cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nincada Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nincada Click on the generation numbers at the top to see move tutor moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball  N/A  Not available	Pokémon Pinball RS     Acquisition: Catch	Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 7.4% Friend Area: Secretive Forest Phrases 51%-100% HP My antennae serve as my eyes. 26%-50% HP Oh, what's up? How could my HP be down by half so soon? 1%-25% HP I think I've had it... I can't get any strength... Level up OK! I leveled up! I'll try harder! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up OK! I leveled up! I'll try harder!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 6.4% IQ group: D
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Ground  Poké Assist: ( Bug ) Field move: (Cut ×1) Loops: 3 Min. exp.: 25 Max. exp.: 45 Browser entry   Nincada burrows underground. It can cut things with its claws.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Normal  None Past ( Normal ) None Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.

Evolution

Unevolved Nincada  Bug  Ground	Level 20 →	First evolution Ninjask  Bug  Flying
If... Poké Ball in bag*	Space in party →	Castoff evolution Shedinja  Bug  Ghost

Note: In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness, Shedinja will not be mentioned when evolving Nincada, but will subsequently appear in Chimecho's Assembly.

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow	Red (Ja)	Green	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal			Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation II.
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald	FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum	HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White				Back

For other sprites and images, please see Nincada images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• Nincada is the only Pokémon that evolves into two Pokémon at once.
• Nincada is the only Pokémon (other than Larvesta and Volcarona) with a gender that can learn TMs and HMs but cannot learn Attract or Captivate. This is possibly due to the fact that Shedinja, which is genderless, retains all moves that Nincada had before evolution.
• Nincada, Nidoran♂, Volbeat, and Phione are the only Pokémon obtainable by breeding a Pokémon they cannot evolve into (as Shedinja is technically a shed shell).
• Nincada is the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 266.
• Nincada is the only Pokémon to have a higher base stat total than its evolution, it has 30 more base stat points than Shedinja.

Origin

It appears to be based on a cicada larva.

Name origin

Nincada's name is a combination of ninja and cicada.

Tutinin is a combination of 土に埋める tsuchiniumeru, to bury in the ground, and ninja.

In other languages

Language Name Name Origin German Nincada From ninja and cicada. French Ningale From ninja and cigale. Korean 토중몬 Tojungmon Chinese (Taiwan) 土居忍士 Tǔ Jū Rěn Shì Literally "Earth-residing ninja".

External links

← #289: Slaking

Pokémon

#291: Ninjask →

This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.