Butterfree (Pokémon)

Butterfree バタフリー Butterfree
Artwork from FR/LG
Types	Bug/Flying
Species	Butterfly Pokémon
Kanto Dex National Dex	#012
Johto Dex	#026
Hoenn Dex	#214*
Sinnoh Dex	#—
Fiore Browser	R—
Almia Browser	R—
Height	3′07″ (1.1m)
Weight	70.5 lbs. (32.0kg)
Ability	Compoundeyes
Egg group	Bug
Time to hatch	3,840 steps
Effort yield	2 SpA, 1 SpD
Exp. yield	160 base exp.
Lv. 100 at	1,000,000 exp.
Gender	50% ♀/50% ♂
Pokédex color	White
Catch rate	45
Footprint
Body style
On Legendary Pokémon Pokédex: Generation III Generation IV On Pokémon Palace Network Pokédex (Gen. I-III) On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV On Eevee's Pokédex (Gen. I-IV) On Psypoke Pokédex On Pokecharms Pokédex (Gen. III-IV) On Marriland Pokédex (Gen. IV) On Serebii's Pokédex: Generation I/II Generation III Generation IV On Azure Heights Pokédex (Gen. I) On Pokémon Dungeon Pokédex (Gen. I-II) On Ultimate Pokémon Center Pokédex (Gen. I-IV) Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Butterfree (Japanese: バタフリー Butterfree) is a dual-type Bug/Flying Pokémon.

It evolves from Metapod starting at level 10. It is the final form of Caterpie.

Contents 1 Biology 1.1 Physiology 1.1.1 Gender differences 1.2 Special abilities 1.3 Behavior 1.4 Habitat 1.5 Diet 2 In the anime 3 In the manga 4 In the TCG 5 Game data 5.1 NPC appearances 5.2 Pokédex entries 5.3 Alternate games 5.4 Game locations 5.4.1 In side games 5.5 Base stats 5.6 Type effectiveness 5.7 Learnset 5.7.1 By leveling up 5.7.2 By TM/HM 5.7.3 By breeding 5.7.4 By tutoring 5.7.5 Special moves 5.7.6 TCG-only Moves 5.8 Side game data 5.9 Evolution 5.10 Sprites 6 Trivia 6.1 Origin 6.1.1 Name origin 7 In other languages 8 Related articles 9 External links 10 Notes

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 her 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. In order to mate, male Butterfree appeal to a female Butterfree they wish to mate with by performing the courtship dance. If the female is receptive she will also reciprocate by joining in performing the courtship dance to the other male Butterfree as he also continues to "dance".

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, Xander's giant-sized Metapod evolved into a Mothra-sized Butterfree in order to chase Team Rocket. Xander'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 Channeling the Battle Zone, Solidad used her Butterfree in the Kanto Grand Festival.

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

A Butterfree appeared in DP088.

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

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Butterfree is the mother of Caterpie, who she sends the player to rescue in the first mission of the game.

Pokédex entries

Gen	Game	Pokédex entry
I	Red	In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed, releasing highly toxic dust into the air.
	Blue
	Yellow	Its wings, covered with poisonous powders, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain.
	Stadium	Its wings are covered with poisonous dust. If you see one flapping its wings, be careful not to inhale any of the dust.
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.
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.
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	Currently unknown

Alternate games

Pokémon Pinball, Pokémon Trading Card Game (Base Set)

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

Gen	Game		Rarity	Location
I	Red	Blue	None	Evolve Metapod
	Yellow		None	Evolve Metapod
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
III	Ruby	Sapphire	None	Trade
	Emerald		None	Trade
	FireRed	LeafGreen	None	Evolve Metapod
	Colosseum		None	Trade
	XD		One	Cipher Key Lair (Shadow)
IV	Diamond	Pearl	None	Evolve Metapod
	Platinum		None	Evolve Metapod
	Pal Park			Forest

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

HP:	60
Attack:	45
Defense:	50
Special:	80
SpAtk:	80
SpDef:	80
Speed:	70

The Special stat was used only in Generation I; it was later split into Special Attack and Special Defense.

Type effectiveness

Weak to	Resistant to	Immune to	Normal effectiveness
Flying : 2×  Rock : 4×  Fire : 2×  Electric : 2×  Ice : 2×	Fighting : ¼×  Bug : ½×  Grass : ¼×	Ground : 0×	Normal : 1×  Poison : 1×  Ghost : 1×  Steel : 1×  Water : 1×  Psychic : 1×  Dragon : 1×  Dark : 1×
Notes: If Gravity is used or this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is ½×. In Generation I, the effectiveness of  Poison-type  moves is 2×.

Learnset

Butterfree is capable of learning the following moves.
Moves in bold are damage moves to which STAB apply.

By leveling up

Generation IV Other generation learnsets: I - II - III
Level	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP	Contest	Appeal
Start	Tackle	Normal	Physical	35	95%	35	Tough	3 ♥♥♥
Start	String Shot	Bug	Status	—	95%	40	Smart	2 ♥♥
7	Harden	Normal	Status	—	—%	30	Tough	2 ♥♥
10	Confusion	Psychic	Special	50	100%	25	Smart	3 ♥♥♥
12	PoisonPowder	Poison	Status	—	75%	35	Smart	2 ♥♥
12	Stun Spore	Grass	Status	—	75%	30	Smart	2 ♥♥
12	Sleep Powder	Grass	Status	—	75%	15	Smart	2 ♥♥
16	Gust	Flying	Special	40	100%	35	Smart	3 ♥♥♥
18	Supersonic	Normal	Status	—	55%	20	Smart	2 ♥♥
22	Whirlwind	Normal	Status	—	100%	20	Smart	0
24	Psybeam	Psychic	Special	65	100%	20	Beauty	2 ♥♥
28	Silver Wind	Bug	Special	60	100%	5	Beauty	2 ♥♥
30	Tailwind	Flying	Status	—	—%	30	Smart	2 ♥♥
34	Safeguard	Normal	Status	—	—%	25	Beauty	2 ♥♥
36	Captivate	Normal	Status	—	100%	20	Beauty	2 ♥♥
40	Bug Buzz	Bug	Special	90	100%	10	Cute	2 ♥♥
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an evolution of this Pokémon

By TM/HM

Generation IV Other generation learnsets: I - II - III
TM	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP	Contest	Appeal
TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	—	85%	10	Smart	2 ♥♥
TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	—	100%	15	Smart	1 ♥
TM11	Sunny Day	Fire	Status	—	—%	5	Beauty	2 ♥♥
TM15	Hyper Beam	Normal	Special	150	90%	5	Cool	2 ♥♥
TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	—	—%	10	Cute	0
TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	—	—%	5	Tough	2 ♥♥
TM19	Giga Drain	Grass	Special	60	100%	10	Smart	1 ♥
TM20	Safeguard	Normal	Status	—	—%	25	Beauty	2 ♥♥
TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	—	100%	20	Cute	2 ♥♥
TM22	SolarBeam	Grass	Special	120	100%	10	Cool	1 ♥
TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	—	100%	20	Cute	2 ♥♥
TM29	Psychic	Psychic	Special	90	100%	10	Smart	2 ♥♥
TM30	Shadow Ball	Ghost	Special	80	100%	15	Smart	2 ♥♥
TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	—	—%	15	Cool	2 ♥♥
TM40	Aerial Ace	Flying	Physical	60	—%	20	Cool	2 ♥♥
TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	70	100%	20	Cute	2 ♥♥
TM43	Secret Power	Normal	Physical	—	100%	20	Smart	2 ♥♥
TM44	Rest	Normal	Status	—	—%	10	Cute	0
TM45	Attract	Normal	Status	—	100%	15	Cute	2 ♥♥
TM46	Thief	Dark	Physical	40	100%	10	Tough	0
TM48	Skill Swap	Psychic	Status	—	—%	10	Smart	0
TM51	Roost	Flying	Status	—	—%	10	Cool	0
TM53	Energy Ball	Grass	Special	80	100%	10	Beauty	2 ♥♥
TM58	Endure	Normal	Status	—	—%	10	Tough	2 ♥♥
TM62	Silver Wind	Bug	Special	60	100%	5	Beauty	2 ♥♥
TM68	Giga Impact	Normal	Physical	150	90%	5	Beauty	2 ♥♥
TM70	Flash	Normal	Status	—	100%	20	Beauty	2 ♥♥
TM77	Psych Up	Normal	Status	—	—%	10	Smart	0
TM78	Captivate	Normal	Status	—	100%	20	Beauty	2 ♥♥
TM82	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—%	10	Cute	3 ♥♥♥
TM83	Natural Gift	Normal	Physical	—	100%	15	Cool	2 ♥♥
TM85	Dream Eater	Psychic	Special	100	100%	15	Smart	1 ♥
TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	—	90%	15	Cute	2 ♥♥
TM89	U-turn	Bug	Physical	70	100%	20	Cute	0
TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	—	—%	10	Smart	1 ♥
HM05	Defog	Flying	Status	—	—%	15	Beauty	0
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an evolution of this Pokémon

By breeding

None.

By tutoring

Generation III and IV Other generation learnsets: II - III
Game							Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP	Contest	Appeal
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Air Cutter	Flying	Special	55	95%	25	Cool	3 ♥♥♥
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Double-Edge	Normal	Physical	120	100%	15	Tough	0
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Dream Eater	Psychic	Special	100	100%	15	Smart	1 ♥
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Endure	Normal	Status	—	—%	10	Tough	2 ♥♥
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Mimic	Normal	Status	—	—%	10	Cute	0
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Nightmare	Ghost	Status	—	—%	15	Smart	2 ♥♥
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Ominous Wind	Ghost	Special	60	100%	5	Smart	0
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Signal Beam	Bug	Special	75	100%	15	Beauty	2 ♥♥
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—%	10	Cute	3 ♥♥♥
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Snore	Normal	Special	40	100%	15	Cool	3 ♥♥♥
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Substitute	Normal	Status	—	—%	10	Smart	1 ♥
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Swagger	Normal	Status	—	90%	15	Cute	2 ♥♥
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Swift	Normal	Special	60	—%	20	Cool	2 ♥♥
FR	LG	E	XD	D	P	Pt	Twister	Dragon	Special	40	100%	20	Cool	3 ♥♥♥
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an evolution of this Pokémon A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game, while a colored background indicates that the move is available.

Special moves

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
Shadow moves		Level 30+	Purified moves
Shadow Mist	???		Morning Sun	Normal
Shadow Rush	???		Psychic	Psychic
--			Sleep Powder	Grass
--			Aerial Ace	Flying

TCG-only Moves

• Fly

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
	Acquisition: Evolve
Pokémon Trozei!
	Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
Body size: 1	Recruit Rate: Evolve	Friend Area: Mist-Rise Forest
Phrases
51%-100% HP	I'll protect you with the wicked toxins in my wings.
26%-50% HP	Oh, no... My health has dropped to half...
1%-25% HP	I've about had it... It hurts to even fly...
Level Up	I leveled up! I'm in peak form! Let me show you!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness
Body size: 1	Recruit Rate: 5.5%	IQ Group: A

Evolution

	Unevolved	→ Level 7	First evolution	→ Level 10	Second evolution
	Caterpie  Bug		Metapod  Bug		Butterfree  Bug  Flying

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow	Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal			Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald	FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
			Image:Spr 3e 012 s.gif
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum			Back
			Image:Spr 4p 012 f.png