Heracross

Heracross (/ˈhɛrəkrɒs/), known in Japan as Heracros (Japanese: ヘラクロス, Hepburn: Herakurosu), is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise, first introduced in the 1999 video games Pokémon Gold and Silver and designed by Ken Sugimori. Since Heracross's debut, it has appeared in multiple games including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as in various forms of merchandise.

Resembling a blue Japanese rhinoceros beetle with a prolonged horn on its forehead, Heracross is classified as a Bug- and Fighting-type Pokémon. In the franchise's fictional universe, Heracross is strong enough to topple trees, but is typically docile. The species also has a rivalry with the Pokémon Pinsir. Heracross have been owned by multiple characters in both the games and Pokémon: The Series, including by anime protagonist Ash Ketchum; Heracross has been primarily voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi and Yuji Ueda in the series. An additional form of Heracross, dubbed Mega Heracross, was introduced in the 2013 video game Pokémon X and Y.

Following its debut, Heracross received positive reception for both its design and competitive abilities, consistently being recommended for use during playthroughs. It was also noted for its reflection of real-world insect fighting. A Heracross named "Bois" in Pokémon Legends: Z-A received additional praise from critics and fans, causing the creation of memes and appreciation posts in the community.