Top Ten Cartoon Bugs (Bunnies Not Allowed)

Bugs aren’t something that most people want in the house… yet if you have kids, it seems like they’re EVERYWHERE! And we’re not just talking about the bugs that come around because of ice cream your son or daughter dropped on the brand new rug… we’re talking about bugs popping up in TV cartoons, as toys, and even on DVDs…

So for this post, we decided to list the top ten cartoon bugs… Sorry, no bunnies allowed.

10 The Caterpillar – Alice in Wonderland

The Caterpillar’s most famous line? “whoooo are you?”

Though not very verbose, the Caterpillar is one of the most recognized supporting characters in Alice in Wonderland. Originally short, a bit rude, and aloof, he eventually turns into a butterfly… although an angry one.

Why he’s number 10:
The Caterpillar showed the potential for change… but didn’t take advantage of it, keeping his distant attitude even AFTER changing into a beautiful butterfly.

9 -Bert the Caterpillar – Sesame Street

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g2ZKYSJXcM

Our second caterpillar on the list (already?!?!) comes courtesy of Sesame Street’s Butterfly Pageant. Bert gets corralled by Ernie to act out the life cycle of a butterfly. As usual, Bert is his less-than-enthused self. Bet Ernie makes the most of Bert’s participation in this musical rendition.

Why he’s number nine:
Bert CLEARLY does not want to be involved in the pageant, and doesn’t play the role of a team player well AT ALL. Had he shown a little more enthusiasm, we probably would have put him higher on the list!

8 Zorak – Space Ghost / The Brak Show

“It’s bad, it’s very BAD!”

Zorak originally appeared in an animated series by Hanna Barbera, Space Ghost and Dino Boy in 1966. Originally, Zorack was one of Space Ghost’s most fearsome enemies, but Cartoon Network revamped him decades later as a comic foil to Space Ghost in a late night talk show, Space Ghost Coast to Coast and then again revamped him as a “best-bud” to a fellow Space Ghost villain, Brak, in The Brak Show.

Why he’s number eight:
Grumpy doesn’t go over well, just ask Bert and the Caterpillar! Zorak edges out Bert because of his sarcastic sense of humor and his willingness to go along with a plan, but falls flat because of his attitude problem.

7) The Cockroaches – Oggy and the Cockroaches

Run run RUN!!!

In this French cartoon, Oggy the cat is constantly vexed by three roaches: Joey, Marky, and Dee Dee. The three troublemakers cause unbelievable amounts of mayhem for poor Oggy, often interrupting his attempts to have a peaceful dinner, swim, or venture into small business.

Why they’re number 7:
These little guys are as resilient as their predecessor, Jerry the Mouse… though they often up the antics to the extreme, often sabatoging their own plans in the process.

6 Zipper – Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers

“zzzzz zz zzzzzz zzz zz zzzz!”

A close friend to Monterey Jack, Zipper is the only Rescue Ranger who doesn’t really speak… but in most cases, he doesn’t need to.

Why he’s number 6:
He’s small in size, but has a huge heart… and a huge temper, which has caused a headache or two for his Rescue Ranger teammates in the past. It even led to Monterey Jack losing his home in the first episode they appeared in.

5 Baxter Stockman – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

“What on earth are you? I suppose I’ll have to dissect you to find out!” – Baxter Stockman

Baxter Stockman was a misguided inventor who tried to sell his Mousers to the Ajax Pest Control company. The company threw him out of the building, saying that the machines were TOO efficient and would put them out of business. The Shredder approached him shortly afterward and offered him a job to build evil constructs to get rid of the Ninja Turtles. Hey Stockman! Forget the evil thing… we’re ALWAYS looking for advancements in pest control technology!

Why he’s number 5:
Stockman is the epitome of scientific genius, creating his “mousers” in an effort to eliminate rats…. Now if only he’d use that genius intellect for good!

4 The Tick – The Tick

“Destiny’s powerful hand has made the bed of my future, and it’s up to me to lie in it. I am destined to be a superhero. To right wrongs, and to pound two-fisted justice into the hearts of evildoers everywhere. And you don’t fight destiny. No sir. And, you don’t eat crackers in the bed of your future, or you get all… scratchy.” – The Tick

Baxter Stockman may have used his brains for bad, but The Tick uses his Brawn for Benevolence! Though we don’t always get his allusions, or metaphors, or… well, pretty much anything that he rambles on about, he’s got a heart of gold and a penchant for the dramatic!

Why he’s number 4:
Whether battling the uncommon cold, or going prehistoric on Dinosaur Neal, The Tick only has one modus oprandi: Justice!

3 Flik – A Bug’s Life

Did I do that?

Flik is the zero-turned-hero in Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life.” Seen as a social outcast, Flik manages to screw up everything he’s involved in, which quickly leads his colony to enact a strict “Flik-can’t-touch-ANYTHING” policy. He’s eventually sent to recruit help to fend off grasshoppers that have been terrorizing the colony, but returns with circus performers instead.

Why he’s number 3:
Sure, Flik is clumsy, but he’s likeable… and he has big ideas and even bigger dreams. We can definitely see why the Princess fell for him! Plus with some quick thinking (and some help from a giant bird), he’s able to save the colony from any more grasshopper attacks!

2 Atom Ant – The Atom Ant/Secret Squirrel Show

Co-star of The Atom Ant/ Secret Squirrel Show, Atom Ant was THE pinnacle of modern luxury… his anthill had a mainframe computer, exercise equipment, and other state of the art items. But don’t worry, he didn’t let these great resources go to waste… Atom Ant often fought the likes of Ferocious Flea and Professor Von Gimmick.

Why he’s number 2:
Possessing flight, superspeed, and superstrength, Atom Ant was the miniature version of Batman, assisting the police department whenever needed… no case was too small!!

1 Jiminy Cricket – Pinocchio

Let your conscience be your guide… even if he messes up the idiom.

Jiminy is Pinocchio’s right hand ma— errr, bug. The Blue Fairy appointed this comical umbrella-toting, top-hat-wearing hopper to be Pinocchio’s guide, and to act as his conscience.

Why he’s number 1:
Selfless, courageous, and even a little daring, it’s nice to know Jiminy has always got your back… and he’s a pretty good singer, too.

So there you have it, our Top Ten Cartoon Bugs. There are many MANY more… Especially in the “golden age” of cartooning. So what do you think? Should we have included some different characters? Which ones are your favorites and why?