Butterfree (Pokémon)

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000 #{{{prevnum}}}: Metapod
Pokémon
#{{{nextnum}}}: Weedle 000
Butterfree
バタフリー Butterfree
#012
012Butterfree.png
Artwork from FR/LG
Type
Bug Flying
Category
Butterfly Pokémon
Ability
Compoundeyes
Exp. at Lv. 100
1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers
Kanto
#012
Johto
#026
Hoenn
#214
Regional Browser numbers
Height
3′07″
Imperial
1.1 m
Metric
Weight
70.5 lbs.
Imperial
32.0 kg
Metric
Dex color
White
Catch rate
45 (5.9%)
Body style
BodyUnknown.png BodyUnknown.png
Blue-Striped
Footprint
 F012.png   F487O.png
Blue-Striped
Gender ratio
Gender unknown
Breeding
Bug group 1 cycles
(255 minimum steps)
EV yield
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
Base Exp.: 160 Battle Exp.: 1601*

Butterfree (Japanese: バタフリー Butterfree) is a Bug/Flying-type Pokémon, but it can learn some Psychic-type moves.

Biology

Physiology

Butterfree resembles a vaguely anthropomorphic butterfly. Unlike true insects, it only has four legs, which are a pale blue color. It has a nose-like structure which is a similar color. Its body’s coloration is a darker purple-blue. It has large veined wings which are white with black markings, in very rare cases individuals may be born with pinkish coloration. The markings can help distinguish male and female individuals. It has large compound eyes which tend to be a reddish color. Like members of the order Lepidoptera, Butterfree’s wings are covered in fine scales. Its legs are covered in fine hairs which aid in the collection of honey.

Gender differences

A female has black spots on the lower parts of its wings.

Special abilities

The waterproof scales on Butterfree’s wings are loosely attached, and if the Butterfree flaps them hard enough, they will be released into the air. This resulting “dust” is toxic, and can be irritating if inhaled.

Behavior

Butterfree spends most of its time foraging for nectar and pollen from flowers. In the wild they need to eat constantly. Special adaptations such as waterproofing on their wings, and tiny hairs on their legs let them gather food even in the rain. Butterfree will roam up to six miles from their nest in search of honey. During breeding season, Butterfree take to the air en-masse. Female Butterfree generally choose their mates on the basis of performed aerial aerobics, however other factors may come into play.

Habitat

Butterfree can be found in forests and wooded areas with high amounts of moisture and mist. They can also sometimes be found flying near the ocean, which may be part of their migratory breeding pattern.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Butterfree collect and consume pollen and honey from flowers. Butterfree also consume sap from trees if they have been opened by Heracross.

In the anime

Ash Ketchum had a Butterfree that he had caught as a Caterpie, which was the first Pokémon he ever caught. It was also the first Pokémon he let go, allowing it to mate with a pink Butterfree in Bye-Bye Butterfree. Ritchie also has a Butterfree named Happy.

After Team Rocket kidnapped Dr. Gordon and flew away on Jessie's Dustox (who was currently Mothra-sized) in Caterpie's Big Dilemma, Zander's giant-sized Metapod evolved into a Mothra-sized Butterfree in order to chase Team Rocket. Zander's Butterfree shrunk back to its normal size at the end of the episode.

Jeremy used a Butterfree in the first half of the Silver town Pokémon Contest in Weekend Warrior.

In the Kanto Grand Festival a Butterfree is used by Solidad in Channeling the Battle Zone.

Drew has a Butterfree which made its debut in The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing.

In the manga

In Pokémon Special, Yellow has a Butterfree which evolved from a Caterpie she befriended and captured. Her uncle, Fisherman Wilton, also has a Butterfree. Both of them are able to use Butterfree as a mode of flight, using Butterfree to hold onto their backs as they fly.

Ash's Butterfree evolved at the Cerulean Gym in the Electric Tale of Pikachu.

In the TCG

Main article: Butterfree (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed, releasing highly toxic dust into the air.
Blue
Yellow Its wings, covered with Template:M2, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain.
Stadium Its wings are covered with Template:M2. If you see one flapping its wings, be careful not to inhale any of the dust.
Generation II
Gold It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.
Silver Water-repellent powder on its wings enables it to collect honey, even in the heaviest of rains.
Crystal It flits from flower to flower, collecting honey. It can even identify distant flowers in bloom.
Stadium 2 It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.
Generation III
Ruby Butterfree has a superior ability to search for delicious honey from flowers. It can even search out, extract, and carry honey from flowers that are blooming over six miles from its nest.
Sapphire Butterfree has a superior ability to search for delicious honey from flowers. It can even search out, extract, and carry honey from flowers that are blooming over six miles from its nest.
Emerald It has a superior ability to search for delicious honey from flowers. It can seek, extract, and carry honey from flowers blooming over six miles away.
FireRed The wings are protected by a rain-repellent dust. As a result, this Pokémon can fly about even in rain.
LeafGreen In battle, it flaps its wings at great speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.
Generation IV
Diamond It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
Pearl It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
Platinum {{{platinumdex}}}
HeartGold {{{heartgolddex}}}
SoulSilver {{{soulsilverdex}}}
Generation V
Black {{{blackdex}}}
White {{{whitedex}}}
Black 2 {{{black2dex}}}
White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI
X Unknown
Y Unknown


Alternate Games

Pokémon Pinball, Pokémon Trading Card Game (Base Set, Base Set 2, Legendary Collection)
In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed, releasing highly toxic dust into the air.
Pokémon Trading Card Game (Neo Discovery)
It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red Blue
None Evolve Metapod
Blue (Japan)
None Trade
Yellow
None Evolve Metapod
Generation II
Gold Silver
Gold: Uncommon
Silver: Rare
Gold: National Park during the Bug-Catching Contest, Route 2, and may drop from Headbutted trees
Silver: National Park during the Bug-Catching Contest
Crystal
Uncommon National Park during the Bug-Catching Contest, Routes 2, 24, and 25, and may drop from Headbutted trees
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
None Trade
Emerald
None Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
None Evolve Metapod
Colosseum
None Trade
XD
One Cipher Key Lair (Shadow)
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
None Evolve Metapod
Platinum
None Trade
HeartGold SoulSilver
None Trade
Pal Park
Forest
Pokéwalker
None
Generation V
Black White
None Trade
Black 2 White 2
None Trade
Dream World
None
Generation VI
X Y
None Trade



In side games

Game Location
Pokémon Snap Beach
Pokémon Channel Viridian Forest
Pokémon Trozei Secret Storage 1
Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
(Red and Blue)
Evolve from Metapod
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
(Explorers of Time)
Apple Woods (1F-7F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
(Explorers of Darkness)
Evolve from Metapod

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
60
120 - 167 230 - 324
45
45 - 106 85 - 207
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
80
76 - 145 148 - 284
80
76 - 145 148 - 284
70
67 - 134 130 - 262
Total:
385
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
  • This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 80.

Of the first generation Bug Pokémon, Butterfree ties with Scyther, Beedrill and Parasect for the highest base SpDef.

Type effectiveness

Template:DP type effectiveness

In Generation I, the effectiveness of Poison-type moves is 2×.

Learnset

Template:Learnset intro

By leveling up

Generation I RB
Level Move Type
Previous Tackle Normal
String Shot Normal
Harden Normal
12 Confusion Psychic
15 PoisonPowder Poison
16 Stun Spore Grass
17 Sleep Powder Grass
21 Supersonic Normal
26 Whirlwind Normal
32 Psybeam Psychic
Generation I Y
Level Move Type
Previous Tackle Normal
String Shot Normal
Harden Normal
10 Confusion Psychic
14 PoisonPowder Poison
Stun Spore Grass
15 Sleep Powder Grass
18 Supersonic Normal
23 Whirlwind Normal
28 Gust Normal
34 Psybeam Psychic


Generation II
Level Move Type
Previous Tackle Normal
String Shot Normal
Harden Normal
10 Confusion Psychic
13 PoisonPowder Poison
14 Stun Spore Grass
15 Sleep Powder Grass
18 Supersonic Normal
23 Whirlwind Normal
28 Gust Flying
34 Psybeam Psychic
Generation III
Level Move Type
Previous Tackle Normal
String Shot Normal
Harden Normal
10 Confusion Psychic
13 PoisonPowder Poison
14 Stun Spore Grass
15 Sleep Powder Grass
18 Supersonic Normal
23 Whirlwind Normal
28 Gust Flying
34 Psybeam Psychic
40 Safeguard Normal
47 Silver Wind Bug
Generation IV
Level Move Type Cat.
Previous Tackle Normal Physical
String Shot Normal Status
Harden Normal Status
10 Confusion Psychic Special
12 PoisonPowder Poison Status
Stun Spore Grass Status
Sleep Powder Grass Status
16 Gust Flying Special
18 Supersonic Normal Status
22 Whirlwind Normal Status
24 Psybeam Psychic Special
28 Silver Wind Bug Special
30 Tailwind Flying Status
34 Safeguard Normal Status
36 Captivate Normal Status
40 Bug Buzz Bug Special

By TM/HM

Generation I
# Move Type
TM02 Razor Wind Normal
TM04 Whirlwind Normal
TM06 Toxic Poison
TM09 Take Down Normal
TM10 Double-Edge Normal
TM15 Hyper Beam Normal
TM20 Rage Normal
TM21 Mega Drain Grass
TM22 SolarBeam Grass
TM29 Psychic Psychic
TM30 Teleport Psychic
TM31 Mimic Normal
TM32 Double Team Normal
TM33 Reflect Psychic
TM34 Bide Normal
TM39 Swift Normal
TM44 Rest Psychic
TM46 Psywave Psychic
TM50 Substitute Normal
HM05 Flash (Yel only) Normal
Generation II
# Move Type
TM03 Curse Unknown
TM06 Toxic Poison
TM08 Rock Smash Fighting
TM10 Hidden Power Normal
TM11 Sunny Day Fire
TM12 Sweet Scent Normal
TM13 Snore Normal
TM15 Hyper Beam Normal
TM17 Protect Normal
TM19 Giga Drain Grass
TM20 Endure Normal
TM21 Frustration Normal
TM22 SolarBeam Grass
TM27 Return Normal
TM29 Psychic Psychic
TM31 Mud-Slap Ground
TM32 Double Team Normal
TM34 Swagger Normal
TM35 Sleep Talk Normal
TM39 Swift Normal
TM40 Defense Curl Normal
TM44 Rest Psychic
TM45 Attract Normal
TM50 Nightmare Ghost
HM05 Flash Normal
Generation III
# Move Type
TM06 Toxic Poison
TM10 Hidden Power Normal
TM11 Sunny Day Fire
TM15 Hyper Beam Normal
TM17 Protect Normal
TM18 Rain Dance Water
TM19 Giga Drain Grass
TM20 Safeguard Normal
TM21 Frustration Normal
TM22 SolarBeam Grass
TM27 Return Normal
TM29 Psychic Psychic
TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost
TM32 Double Team Normal
TM40 Aerial Ace Flying
TM42 Facade Normal
TM43 Secret Power Normal
TM44 Rest Psychic
TM45 Attract Normal
TM46 Thief Dark
TM48 Skill Swap Psychic
HM05 Flash Normal
Generation IV
# Move Type Cat.
TM06 Toxic Poison Status
TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special
TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status
TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special
TM17 Protect Normal Status
TM18 Rain Dance Water Status
TM19 Giga Drain Grass Special
TM20 Safeguard Normal Status
TM21 Frustration Normal Physical
TM22 SolarBeam Grass Special
TM27 Return Normal Physical
TM29 Psychic Psychic Special
TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost Special
TM32 Double Team Normal Status
TM40 Aerial Ace Flying Physical
TM42 Facade Normal Physical
TM43 Secret Power Normal Physical
TM44 Rest Psychic Status
TM45 Attract Normal Status
TM46 Thief Dark Physical
TM48 Skill Swap Psychic Status
TM51 Roost Flying Status
TM53 Energy Ball Grass Special
TM58 Endure Normal Status
TM62 Silver Wind Bug Special
TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical
TM70 Flash Normal Status
TM77 Psych Up Normal Status
TM78 Captivate Normal Status
TM82 Sleep Talk Normal Status
TM83 Natural Gift Normal Physical
TM85 Dream Eater Psychic Special
TM87 Swagger Normal Status
TM89 U-turn Bug Physical
TM90 Substitute Normal Status
HM05 Defog Flying Status

By breeding

None

By tutoring

Move Type Cat. Version
Double-Edge Normal Physical FR LG E
Dream Eater Psychic Special FR LG E
Mimic Normal Status FR LG E
Substitute Normal Status FR LG E
Endure Normal Status     E
Sleep Talk Normal Status     E
Snore Normal Special     E
Swagger Normal Status     E
Swift Normal Special     E

Special moves

In Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Butterfree knows Shadow Mist and Shadow Rush as a Shadow Pokémon, and learns Morning Sun after being purified.

TCG-only Moves

Side game data

Template:Side game

Evolution

Template:EvoChart Box

Template:EvoChart Box

Template:EvoChart Box

Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
Spr 1b 012.png Spr 1y 012.png Spr 1g 012.png Spr b g1 012.png
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
Spr 2g 012.png Spr 2s 012.png Spr 2c 012.png Spr b 2g 012.png
Spr 2g 012 s.png Spr 2s 012 s.png Spr 2c 012 s.png Spr b 2g 012 s.png
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
Spr 3r 012.png Spr 3e 012.png Spr 3f 012.png Spr b 3r 012.png
Spr 3r 012 s.png Spr 3e 012 s.png Spr 3f 012 s.png Spr b 3r 012 s.png
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
Spr 4d 012 m.png Spr 4p 012 m.png Spr 4h 012 m.png Spr b 4d 012 m.png
Spr 4d 012 f.png Spr 4p 012 f.png Spr 4h 012 f.png Spr b 4d 012 f.png
Spr 4d 012 m s.png Spr 4p 012 m s.png Spr 4h 012 m s.png Spr b 4d 012 m s.png
Spr 4d 012 f s.png Spr 4p 012 f s.png Spr 4h 012 f s.png Spr b 4d 012 f s.png
V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
Spr 5b 012 m.png Spr 5b2 012 m.png Spr b 5b 012 m.png
Spr 5b 012 f.png Spr 5b2 012 f.png Spr b 5b 012 f.png
Spr 5b 012 m s.png Spr 5b2 012 m s.png Spr b 5b 012 m s.png
Spr 5b 012 f s.png Spr 5b2 012 f s.png Spr b 5b 012 f s.png
Butterfree For other sprites and images, please see Butterfree images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

  • Butterfree is one of the few Pokémon whose Japanese name is the same as its English one.
  • Butterfree is the first Pokémon shown in the anime to have an alternate color. However, this alternate color was pink, which is not the same as the alternate color of Butterfree in the games.
  • The Butterfree species has been trained by four anime trainers: Ritchie, Solidad, Drew, and Ash.
  • Butterfree shares the same species name with Beautifly. They are both known as the Butterfly Pokémon.

Origin

Its design appears to be based upon a common butterfly, most likely a Cabbage White butterfly, more specifically, Aporia crataegi.

Name origin

Butterfree's name is a combination of butterfly and free, possibly referring to its ability to fly after being grounded for two evolutionary stages. It may also be of note that Butterfree rhymes with Caterpie.

In other languages

  • German: Smettbo
  • French: Papilusion - Papillon means butterfly, and illusion is the same as in English.
  • Korean: 버터플 Beoteopeul - Corruption of butterfly.
  • Chinese (Taiwan): 巴大蝴 Ba Dái Hú ("comma patterned giant butterfly")
  • Chinese (Hong Kong): 巴他蝶 Ba Ta Díe ("comma patterned other butterfly")

Related articles

External links

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