Caterpie (Pokémon)

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Blastoise #009: Blastoise
Pokémon
#011: Metapod Metapod
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Caterpie (disambiguation).
Caterpie
キャタピー Caterpie
#010
010Caterpie.png
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type
Bug '
Category
Worm Pokémon
Abilities
Shield Dust Run Away
Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100
1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers
Kanto
#010
Johto
#024
Hoenn
#212
Regional Browser numbers
Height
1'00"
Imperial
0.3 m
Metric
Weight
6.4 lbs.
Imperial
2.9 kg
Metric
Dex color
Green
Catch rate
255 (33.3%)
Body style
Body02.png BodyUnknown.png
Blue-Striped
Footprint
 F010.png   F487O.png
Blue-Striped
Gender ratio
50% male, 50% female
Breeding
Bug group 11 cycles
(2805 minimum steps)
EV yield
HP
1
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
Base Exp.: 39 Battle Exp.: 391*

Caterpie (Japanese: キャタピー Caterpie) is a Bug-type Pokémon.

It evolves into Metapod starting at level 7, which evolves into Butterfree starting at level 10.

Biology

Physiology

Caterpie is serpentine and resembles a green caterpillar with yellow ring-shaped markings down the sides of its body. Its most notable characteristic is the bright red antennae (osmeterium) on its head. These and the large eye-shaped markings help to startle predators. It shares many characteristics with other larval Pokémon such as Weedle, Wurmple and Sewaddle.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

The antennae on its head will emit a terrible stench from it if the Caterpie is frightened or if the antennae are touched. This serves as an effective protective mechanism against most predators. Its feet are tipped with suction cups, permitting this Pokémon to scale most surfaces with minimal effort. It can also spit a string from its mouth in order to entangle foes as seen in Ash Catches a Pokémon, when Caterpie uses String Shot on the villainous Team Rocket.

Behavior

Caterpie grow very quickly, and need to eat voraciously in order to meet their energy requirements. They have various adaptations that permit them to devour plant material safely, including an antenna that releases a horrible smell. It will shed its skin many times before finally cocooning itself in thick silk. While some Trainers are disgusted by the idea of Bug-type Pokémon, they are ideal targets for new Trainers as they are weak in the wild and evolve into their final forms at a low level.

Habitat

Caterpie can often be found in wooded areas, such as Viridian Forest. It is native to the Kanto and the Johto region, but has also been encountered in Sinnoh as well.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Caterpie primarily feed on vegetation, such as tree leaves. According to Pokémon Adventures, its favorite food is the Vermilion flower.

In the anime

Caterpie in the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Caterpie

A Caterpie was the first Pokémon that Ash Ketchum caught from the wild, in Ash Catches a Pokémon. It evolved into Metapod in the same episode, and then into Butterfree the following episode.

Other

Bucky owns a Caterpie as seen in The Dunsparce Deception where he used it to compete in a race with Dunsparce but lost due to its slow speed.

A Caterpie that appeared in Caterpie's Big Dilemma belonging to a young Trainer named Xander ate some of Dr. Gordon's enhanced Rare Candies and turned giant. Xander's Caterpie eventually evolved into a Mothra-sized Butterfree.

Minor appearances

A Caterpie appeared in Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village. It was one of the Pokémon in Melanie's care. It reappeared in a flashback in Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!.

A Caterpie appeared in Electric Shock Showdown under the ownership of an unnamed Trainer.

A Caterpie also appeared in Battle Aboard the St. Anne, Pokémon Fashion Flash, The Breeding Center Secret and Clefairy Tales.

A Caterpie appeared in Mewtwo Striks Back.

A Pink Caterpie appeared in In the Pink, residing on the Pinkan Island.

Multiple Caterpie appeared in Tracey Gets Bugged.

Ralph and Emily were both shown in a flashback to have once owned a Caterpie each in Wherefore Art Thou, Pokémon?.

A Caterpie appeared in Illusion Confusion! as an illusion created by Haunter and Gengar.

Multiple Caterpie appeared in For Crying Out Loud where they were accidentally wet by Wilhelmina's Marill.

A Caterpie appeared in The Bug Stops Here. Misty chases it away when it is talking with Togepi.

A Caterpie was one of the sick Pokémon in a Pokémon Center in Carrying On!.

Multiple Caterpie also appeared in Celebi: Voice of the Forest.

A Caterpie was one of the inhabitants of an oasis just for Pokémon in Got Miltank?.

Multiple Caterpie appeared in For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll! where they protected the Tin Tower after Team Rocket stole the crystal bells on the top floor.

In Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution, Team Rocket's experiments made Pokémon feel sick, one being a Caterpie.

A Caterpie made a brief appearance in Camp Pikachu.

A Caterpie appeared in the opening of Pokémon Heroes and Destiny Deoxys.

A Caterpie was used by one of the students of the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School!.

A Caterpie appeared under the possession of a Coordinator in Hi Ho Silver Wind!

A Caterpie also appeared in One Big Happiny Family! in Jessie's fantasy.

A Caterpie appeared in One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!.

Multiple Caterpie made a brief appearance in Coming Full-Festival Circle!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
AG142 Caterpie May's Pokédex Caterpie, the Worm Pokémon. Caterpie uses the suction cups on its feet to climb trees and feed on its favorite leaves.

In the manga

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Main article: Ash's Butterfree

Ash's Caterpie appears in the manga series The Electric Tale of Pikachu.

Caterpie is the second wild Pokémon that Ash captures in the manga. It was caught in Pikachu, I See You!. It evolves twice in Play Misty For Me - first into Metapod while Ash is showing off his Pokémon to Misty, and then into Butterfree during his Gym battle against Misty.

Ash is not shown releasing his Butterfree in the manga, although it is not seen after Haunting My Dreams.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Yellow's Butterfree, Kitty, as a Caterpie
Main article: Kitty

Caterpie's first appearance is a cameo in Bulbasaur, Come Home! as one of the Pokémon that escapes from Professor Oak's Laboratory. It also makes a cameo in The Secret of Kangaskhan.

Caterpie made its main appearance in the Yellow arc. With the help of her fishing rod and Red's Pika, Yellow saved a Caterpie from its tree, which was targeted by a fire attack. Caterpie then followed Yellow to where she and Blue were training, next to the Rock Tunnel. It took Yellow a whole day to properly catch this Caterpie with a Poké Ball, but once she prevailed, Yellow welcomed Caterpie to her team and called it "Kitty". It then became one of Yellow's most useful Pokémon, whose string was commonly used to make floaters. However, in the battle against Lance, Yellow did not have a Pokédex, which she needed to stop her Pokémon from evolving, and so Kitty evolved into Metapod and then into Butterfree right afterwards.

In the Pokémon Get da ze! manga

Shū has a Caterpie that he uses in various creative ways, mostly involving strange uses of its String Shot.

In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team manga

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team, a Caterpie was attacked by an Ariados. Ginji had to save the Caterpie from harm.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

A Caterpie is seen with Green during the baseball match that took place in Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Baseball Tournament!.

In the TCG

Main article: Caterpie (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

  • Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Caterpie is rescued in the first mission of the game. It is too young to be of any help to the rescue team but remains a strong fan throughout the game, even in its darkest hour.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.
Blue
Yellow If you touch the feeler on top of its head, it will release a horrible stink to protect itself.
Stadium It has large, eye-like patterns on its head as protection. They are used to frighten off enemies.
Generation II
Gold For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies.
Silver Its feet have suction cups designed to stick to any surface. It tenaciously climbs trees to forage.
Crystal It crawls into foliage where it camouflages itself among leaves that are the same color as its body.
Stadium 2 For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies.
Generation III
Ruby Caterpie has a voracious appetite. It can devour leaves bigger than its body right before your eyes. From its antenna, this Pokémon releases a terrifically strong odor.
Sapphire
Emerald Its voracious appetite compels it to devour leaves bigger than itself without hesitation. It releases a terribly strong odor from its antennae.
FireRed It is covered with a green skin. When it grows, it sheds the skin, covers itself with silk, and becomes a cocoon.
LeafGreen Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.
Generation IV
Diamond It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies.
SoulSilver Its feet have suction cups designed to stick to any surface. It tenaciously climbs trees to forage.
Generation V
Black It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.
White
Black 2 あかい しょっかくから においを だして てきを おいはらう。 だっぴを くりかえし おおきくなる。
White 2
Generation VI
X Unknown
Y Unknown


Alternate games

Pokémon Pinball, Pokémon Trading Card Game (Base Set, Base Set 2, Legendary Collection)
Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.
Pokémon Trading Card Game (Neo Discovery)
For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies.

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red Blue
RareWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.
CommonWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.
Route 25, Viridian ForestWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.
Routes 2, 24, and 25, Viridian ForestWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.
Blue (Japan)
Common Routes 2, 24, and 25, Viridian Forest
Yellow
Common Viridian Forest
Generation II
Gold Silver
Common Routes 2, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest, National Park, Bug-Catching Contest, Headbutt treesWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.
Bug-Catching ContestWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.
Crystal
Common Routes 2, 24, 25, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest, National Park, Bug-Catching Contest
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
None Trade
Emerald
None Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
Common Routes 2, 24, and 25, Viridian Forest, Pattern Bush
Colosseum
None Trade
XD
None Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Dongle Route 204 (FireRed)
Platinum
Dongle Route 204, Eterna Forest (FireRed)
HeartGold SoulSilver
Common Routes 2, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest, National Park, Bug-Catching Contest, Viridian Forest, Headbutt treesWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.
Bug-Catching ContestWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.
Pal Park
Forest
Pokéwalker
None
Generation V
Black White
None Breed Metapod or Butterfree (White only)
Black 2 White 2
None Breed Butterfree (White 2 only)
Dream World
None
Generation VI
X Y
None Trade



In side games

Game Location
Pokémon Channel Viridian Forest
Pokémon Pinball Viridian Forest
Cerulean City
Pokémon Trozei! Phobos Train
Endless Level 9
Trozei Battle
Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red/Blue Rescue Team
Wish Cave (2F-4F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time/Darkness
Apple Woods (1F-4F)
Oran Forest (1F-4F)
Pokémon Rumble Silent Forest Normal Mode C
Pokémon Rumble Blast Treetops: Sun-Dappled Bank
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure Meadow Zone

Held items

Game Held Item(s)
Red* Blue* Berry (100%)
Yellow*

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
45
105 - 152 200 - 294
30
31 - 90 58 - 174
35
36 - 95 67 - 185
20
22 - 79 40 - 152
20
22 - 79 40 - 152
45
45 - 106 85 - 207
Total:
195
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 20.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
2/3 ★★
Power
1/3 ☆☆
Skill
4/4 ★★★★
Stamina
2/3 ★★
Jump
2/2 ★★
Total
11/15 ★★


Type effectiveness

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

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
00Start Tackle Normal Physical 05050 100100% 35
00Start String Shot Bug Status 0000 09595% 40
1515 Bug Bite Bug Physical 06060 100100% 20
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Caterpie
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Caterpie
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
This Pokémon learns no moves by TM.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Caterpie
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Caterpie
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Father   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Caterpie 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 Caterpie in that game.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Caterpie
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Caterpie
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
B W B2 W2 Bug Bite Bug Physical 60 100% 20
B W B2 W2 Electroweb Electric Special 55 95% 15
B W B2 W2 Snore Normal Special 40 100% 15
  • A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Caterpie can be tutored the move in that game
  • A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Caterpie cannot be tutored the move in that game
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Caterpie
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Caterpie
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move Card
Headbutt Expedition Base Set

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
 Pin010.png Pinani010.png 
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Pinball RS
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Trozei!
 Trozeiani010.png 
Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
MDP RT 010.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 10.2%
Friend Area: Mist-Rise Forest
Phrases
51%-100% HP I'll eat lots and grow big.
26%-50% HP This is so hard... My health is down to half.
1%-25% HP I can't keep up... I can't spit silk anymore...
Level up I leveled up! Happy!
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 I leveled up! Happy!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness
,
and Explorers of Sky
MDP E 010.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 8.2%
IQ group: A
Pokémon Ranger
Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None
Loops: 0 Min. exp.: 0 Max. exp.: 0
Browser entry  
This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
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
Electric Assist.png
( Normal )
None Past
Electrify 1 field move.png
(Electrify ×1)
Browser entry  
This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
PPW010.png PokéPark Pad entry:
Caterpie fell out of the White Tree on the other side of the bridge in the Meadow Zone! Her favorite Attraction is Bulbasaur's Daring Dash.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond
PP2010.png Strong: Tepig icon.png Weak: Snivy icon.png
PokéPark Pad entry:
Their steps are slow, but they are quite aggressive and hate to lose. They are second to none in spirit.
None.png HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}}
Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}}
Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}}
Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}}
Does not evolve.
Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Caterpie
Unevolved
Caterpie
 Bug 
Rare Candy
Level 7


Metapod
First evolution
Metapod
 Bug 
Rare Candy
Level 10


Butterfree
Second evolution
Butterfree
 Bug  Flying 


Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
Spr 1b 010.png Spr 1y 010.png Spr 1g 010.png Spr b g1 010.png
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
Spr 2g 010.png Spr 2s 010.png Spr 2c 010.png Spr b 2g 010.png
Spr 2g 010 s.png Spr 2s 010 s.png Spr 2c 010 s.png Spr b 2g 010 s.png
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
Spr 3r 010.png Spr 3e 010.png Spr 3f 010.png Spr b 3r 010.png
Spr 3r 010 s.png Spr 3e 010 s.png Spr 3f 010 s.png Spr b 3r 010 s.png
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
Spr 4d 010.png Spr 4p 010.png Spr 4h 010.png Spr b 4d 010.png
Spr 4d 010 s.png Spr 4p 010 s.png Spr 4h 010 s.png Spr b 4d 010 s.png
V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
Spr 5b 010.png Spr 5b2 010.png Spr b 5b 010.png
Spr 5b 010 s.png Spr 5b2 010 s.png Spr b 5b 010 s.png
Caterpie For other sprites and images, please see Caterpie images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Other sprites

Spr b 3f 010.png
Spr b 3f 010 s.png
Spr b 4h 010.png
Spr b 4h 010 s.png
FireRed/LeafGreen back sprites HeartGold/SoulSilver back sprites

Trivia

  • Caterpie was the first Pokémon to be seen evolving in the anime.
    • It is also the first Pokémon to be seen being caught in the anime, by Ash Ketchum.
  • Caterpie, along with Weedle and Wurmple, evolve at level 7, the lowest level required for any Pokémon that evolves by leveling up.
  • Caterpie is the first Bug-type Pokémon in National Pokédex order.
  • Caterpie is the first Pokémon in National Pokédex order which has the same name in English and Japanese.
  • Caterpie shares the same species name with Wurmple. They are both known as Worm Pokémon.
  • Though Caterpie's ability to release a terrible smell is mentioned in many of its Pokédex entries, it cannot have the Ability Stench.
  • Caterpie shares a fairly similar in-game cry with Goldeen, being only .07 seconds shorter.
  • Until the release of Pokémon Platinum, when it became able to learn Bug Bite, Caterpie was unable to do anything to a Ghost type outside of struggling except lower its Speed. It shares this trait with its evolution, Metapod. This is also true for Weedle, and its evolution, Kakuna, against Steel types before Pokémon Platinum was released.
  • Caterpie is the first Pokémon in National Pokédex order that isn't related to a starter Pokémon.
  • Being exclusive to Pokémon White, Caterpie is the first version-exclusive Pokémon from a main series game.

Origin

Caterpie is a stylized caterpillar, most resembling an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar. Its "antenna" is an osmeterium, an organ unique to swallowtail caterpillars which, like Caterpie, they use to emit a foul odor.

Name origin

Caterpie is a corruption of caterpillar.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
Japan Flag.png Japanese キャタピー Caterpie Corruption of caterpillar
France Flag.png French Chenipan From chenille and pan; also a pun on chenapan
Spain Flag.png Spanish Caterpie Same as English/Japanese name
Germany Flag.png German Raupy From Raupe
Italy Flag.png Italian Caterpie Same as English/Japanese name
South Korea Flag.png Korean 캐터피 Kaeteopi Transliteration of Japanese name
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 綠毛蟲 / 绿毛虫 Lǜmáochóng "Green caterpillar", or literally, "Green furry worm"
Hong Kong Flag.png Cantonese Chinese 綠毛蟲 Luhkmòuhchùhng "Green caterpillar", or literally, "Green furry worm"



Related articles

External links

Notes



Blastoise #009: Blastoise
Pokémon
#011: Metapod Metapod


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