ParasSun & Moon #4 Pokémon Card

Paras is a dual Bug/Grass-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It is known for the parasitic mushrooms, called tochukaso, that grow on its back from birth. As Paras grows, the mushrooms also grow, eventually taking over its body and evolving it into Parasect. These mushrooms are the true masters of Paras, controlling its actions and draining its nutrients. Paras typically inhabits damp, dark places like forests and caves, where the mushrooms can thrive. Its diet consists primarily of tree sap and nutrients absorbed by its parasitic fungi. In the games, Paras is often found in early routes and caves, making it a common encounter. In the anime, it has appeared in various episodes, often depicted as a timid creature whose mushrooms are sought after for their medicinal properties. Despite its somewhat unsettling parasitic nature, Paras holds a unique place in the Pokémon world as a prime example of a symbiotic (or perhaps parasitic) relationship in nature. Its design is based on cicada nymphs and cordyceps fungi, giving it a distinctive and memorable appearance.