Butterfree (Pokémon)

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For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
011MS.png #011: Metapod
Pokémon
#013: Weedle 013MS.png
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Butterfree (disambiguation).
Butterfree
Butterfly Pokémon
バタフリー
Butterfree
#012
Butterfree
Butterfree
Gigantamax Butterfree
Gigantamax Butterfree



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Bug Flying
Unknown Unknown
Gigantamax Butterfree
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Abilities
Compound Eyes Cacophony
Gigantamax Butterfree
Cacophony
Tinted Lens
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Gigantamax Butterfree
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Unknown
50% male, 50% female
Catch rate
45 (11.9%)
Breeding
Egg Group
Bug
Hatch time
15 cycles
Height
3'07" 1.1 m
Butterfree
55'09"+ 17.0+ m
Gigantamax Butterfree
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
70.5 lbs. 32.0 kg
Butterfree
??? lbs. ??? kg
Gigantamax Butterfree
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
160
Gen. I-IV
Unknown
IV
178
V+
Leveling rate
Medium Fast
EV yield
Total: 3
Butterfree
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
2
Sp.Atk
1
Sp.Def
0
Speed
Gigantamax Butterfree
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
Shape
Body13.png
Footprint
F012.png F000.png
Gigantamax Butterfree
Pokédex color
White
Base friendship
70
External Links

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

It evolves from Metapod starting at level 10. It is the final form of Caterpie. It also has a Gigantamax form.

Biology

0572Minccino.png This section does not yet meet the quality standards of Bulbapedia. Please feel free to edit this section to make it conform to Bulbapedia norms and conventions.

Butterfree resembles a vaguely anthropomorphic butterfly with a purple body. Unlike true insects, it only has two body segments and four light blue legs. The upper pair of legs resembles small, three-fingered hands, while the lower pair resembles long, digit-less feet. Butterfree has two black antennae, a light blue snout with two fangs underneath, and large, red compound eyes. Its two pairs of wings are white with black venation. Two oval scales on a female Butterfree's lower wings are black, but they are white on a male.

As Gigantamax Butterfree, its size increases to gigantic length with altered look. The wings and its pattern changes to light and dark green color with white. The antennae change to bright green and extends to the point where the tip bends, and three red clouds surround it. The eyes changes to bright glowing red. A fur-like circle is attached to both the wings and back of Butterfree. Several green scales can be seen floating around Butterfree, which are its most effective weapons, capable of releasing paralysis, poisoning, or sleep. The massive wings are powerful enough to lift a 10-ton truck through a simple flap. The wind it generates can scatter poisonous scales throughout the area, making it dangerous to be near it.[1]

Butterfree's wings are covered with poisonous powders that fall off continuously as it flies. It will defend Caterpie from bird Pokémon using this powder. This powder also repels water, enabling it to gather honey even in the rain. Butterfree will roam up to six miles (ten kilometers) from its nest in search of honey, which it carries with the hairs of its legs. Sometimes it has territorial disputes with Cutiefly over fields of flowers. It also consumes sap from trees pierced by Heracross, as seen in the anime. Butterfree is found in temperate forests and jungles, but it has also been observed flying near the ocean as part of its migratory breeding pattern.

Gigantamax Butterfree is the only known Pokémon capable of using the exclusive G-Max Move G-Max Befuddle.

In the anime

In the main series

Butterfree in the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Butterfree

Ash had a Butterfree that he caught as a Caterpie, the first Pokémon he ever caught. It evolved from Metapod in Challenge of the Samurai. Butterfree was also the first Pokémon Ash let go, allowing it to mate with a pink Butterfree in Bye-Bye Butterfree.

Butterfree also appeared in I Choose You!, which is set in a different continuity from the main series. It evolved from Metapod during a battle against a group of Primeape.

Pink Butterfree

A pink Butterfree appeared in Bye-Bye Butterfree. Ash's Butterfree fell in love with it and fought to save it from Team Rocket. At the end of the episode, Ash released his Butterfree to mate with the pink Butterfree. The pink Butterfree reappeared in I Choose You!, which is set in a timeline different from the main series.

Other

Multiple wild Butterfree appeared in Bye-Bye Butterfree, where they engaged in a mating ceremony that Ash's Butterfree took a part of.

A Butterfree nicknamed Happy debuted in A Friend in Deed, under the ownership of Ritchie. It was used to help Ritchie get out of Team Rocket's runaway truck safely. It reappeared in Friend and Foe Alike and Friends to the End, where it was used during Ritchie's battles in the Indigo Plateau Conference.

An Orange Archipelago variant of Butterfree living on Valencia Island appeared in Poké Ball Peril. It had not eaten for days despite Professor Ivy's effort to make different kinds of food for it. It took a liking to Brock's food, however, and was one of the reasons he stayed behind. It reappeared in a flashback in A Tent Situation.

A Butterfree appeared in Spell of the Unown: Entei, under the ownership of Lisa. It was used in a battle against Ash and went up against his Bulbasaur. The match ended with Bulbasaur being dazed with Sleep Powder and finished off with a gust of wind.

A giant Butterfree appeared in Caterpie's Big Dilemma, under the ownership of Zander. After Team Rocket kidnapped Dr. Gordon and flew away on Jessie's Dustox, it evolved from a Metapod to chase Team Rocket. Butterfree shrunk back to its normal size at the end of the episode.

A Butterfree appeared in Weekend Warrior, under the ownership of Jeremy. He used it in the Appeals Round of the Silver Town Pokémon Contest.

A Butterfree appeared in The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing, under the ownership of Drew. He used it during his two-on-two Contest Battle against May. Butterfree battled alongside Roselia against Combusken and Beautifly and managed to win.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Butterfree and Me!, where they evolved from Metapod on Wayfarer Island. One Butterfree had been befriended by Ash as a Caterpie, and Ash spent much of the episode helping it eventually evolve into its final form.

Multiple wild Butterfree appeared in I Choose You!, where, much like the events of Bye-Bye Butterfree, they engaged in a mating ceremony that Ash's Butterfree took a part of.

Minor appearances

Butterfree debuted in a fantasy of Ash's Caterpie's in Ash Catches a Pokémon.

A Butterfree appeared in The Path to the Pokémon League, under the ownership of A.J. It was first seen carrying A.J.'s bag into the Gym. It was then seen in A.J.'s Gym, training with his Beedrill.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Battle Aboard the St. Anne as some of the Pokémon seen aboard the St. Anne.

A Butterfree appeared in Pokémon Fashion Flash as one of the Pokémon seen on Scissor Street.

A Butterfree appeared in The March of the Exeggutor Squad.

A Butterfree appeared in Pikachu's Vacation as one of the Pokémon seen at the Pokémon Theme Park.

A Butterfree appeared in Pallet Party Panic as one of the Pokémon at a party in Pallet Town.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of The Power of One.

A flock of Orange Archipelago Butterfree appeared in a flashback in Snack Attack as residents of the Seven Grapefruit Islands.

A Trainer's Orange Archipelago Butterfree appeared in The Mandarin Island Miss Match.

A wild Butterfree appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

An Orange Archipelago Butterfree appeared in Slowking's Day, where it was living on Shamouti Island.

Three Butterfree appeared in The Rivalry Revival, where they were among the Pokémon living at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in A Sappy Ending.

A Butterfree appeared in Once in a Blue Moon.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in For Crying Out Loud, where they played with Wilhomena's Marill.

A Butterfree appeared in Tricks of the Trade as one of the Pokémon seen at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Mewtwo Returns, where they were seen flying over Mount Quena.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Houndoom's Special Delivery.

Three Butterfree appeared in a flashback in The Light Fantastic.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Brock's dream in Sick Daze.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of Celebi: The Voice of the Forest.

A Butterfree appeared in Got Miltank? as an inhabitant of a Pokémon-exclusive oasis.

A Butterfree appeared in A Tyrogue Full of Trouble, where it was followed by Misty's Togepi.

Two Butterfree appeared in Enlighten Up! as residents of Lake Slowpoke.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Fangs for Nothin' as inhabitants of the Dragon Holy Land.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias.

A Butterfree briefly appeared in Camp Pikachu.

A flock of Butterfree appeared before Ash's Larvitar in Hatch Me If You Can.

A Coordinator's Butterfree appeared in Now That's Flower Power!.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of Destiny Deoxys.

A Butterfree appeared in The Green Guardian.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Curbing the Crimson Tide!.

A Coordinator's Butterfly appeared in May, We Harley Drew'd Ya!.

A Butterfree appeared in Channeling the Battle Zone, under the ownership of Solidad. It was used during the Kanto Grand Festival.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Pinch Healing! as residents of Fennel Valley.

A Butterfree appeared in Riding the Winds of Change, where it was among the many Pokémon Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy used to blow a Gligar away from the city.

A wild Butterfree appeared in Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 1). Two additional Butterfree appeared in the follow-up episode.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of Giratina and the Sky Warrior.

A Butterfree appeared in Camping It Up!.

Two Butterfree appeared in Battling the Generation Gap! as parts of Lila's famous "Tiger Lily Smile".

Multiple Butterfree appeared in a flashback in A Trainer and Child Reunion!.

A group of Butterfree appeared in Genesect and the Legend Awakened at Pokémon Hills.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in A Relay in the Sky!, where it was participating in the Pokémon Sky Relay. It was in a team also consisting of Hydreigon and Masquerain.

A Butterfree appeared in A Legendary Photo Op! at Mt. Molteau.

A Butterfree appeared in a flashback in Seeing the Forest for the Trees!.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Alola to New Adventure!, during a flashback.

A Butterfree appeared in Lillie's Egg-xhilarating Challenge!, where it flew past Lillie's balcony and received some food. It reappeared in A Glaring Rivalry!.

Two Butterfree appeared in A Seasoned Search!, where they were among the Flying-type attracted by Bounsweet's Sweet Scent in their attempts to attract a Oricorio.

A Butterfree appeared in Partner Promises! as a resident of Treasure Island. It reappeared in Alola, Alola!, when Ash revisited the island alongside his classmates and Misty.

Two Butterfree appeared in Lulled to La-La Land! during a flashback.

Two Trainers' Butterfree appeared in Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!.

Four wild Buttefree appeared in Alola, Kanto!.

Three wild Butterfree appeared in Tasting the Bitter with the Sweet!, during a flashback.

Two Trainers' Butterfree appeared in A Young Royal Flame Ignites!.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in The Power of Us.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in All They Want to Do is Dance Dance!.

A student's Butterfree appeared in A High-Speed Awakening!.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Battle Royal 151!, where it competed in the Battle Royal preliminary round of the Manalo Conference but ended up losing.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in The Road to The Semifinals!.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Z-Move Showdown!.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in a flashback in SS001.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in SS002, with two of them appearing in a video hologram.

A Butterfree appeared in SS006, where it was among the Pokémon caught by Go.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
EP004 Butterfree Ash's Pokédex Butterfree. One week after Caterpie evolves into Metapod, it again evolves into Butterfree.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
AG142 Butterfree May's Pokédex Butterfree, the Butterfly Pokémon. Butterfree is the evolved form of Metapod. The scales covering its wings help it to shed water.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
BW130 Butterfree Ash's Pokédex Butterfree, the Butterfly Pokémon. Butterfree's love of flower nectar draws it to seek out flowers, even if they don't have much pollen.

In Pokémon Origins

A Butterfree appeared in File 1: Red as one of the Pokémon seen in Professor Oak's introduction.

A Butterfree appeared in a fantasy in File 4: Charizard.

In the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer, where it was seen in a town square in Pasio.

In the manga

Butterfree in Pokémon Adventures

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Main article: Ash's Butterfree

Ash's Butterfree evolved from his Metapod in Play Misty For Me during his Gym battle with Misty.

Melanie took care of three Butterfree in Pikachu's Excellent Adventure.

In the How I Became a Pokémon Card manga

Midori owns a Butterfree that was first in PW10.

In the Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon manga

A Butterfree appeared in Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Kitty

Butterfree debuts in Wake Up—You're Snorlax! as one of the Pokémon shocked by Red's Pika in a forest.

Yellow's Butterfree, nicknamed Kitty, evolved from her Caterpie that had just recently evolved into a Metapod in The Might of... Metapod?!. Her uncle, Fisherman Wilton, also has a Butterfree, which first appeared in Just a Spearow Carrier. Both of them are able to use Butterfree as a mode of flight, using Butterfree to hold onto their backs as they fly.

A Butterfree appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.

A Butterfree appeared in Out-Odding Oddish, under the ownership of a Pokéathlon participant.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Weavile Wobbles But It Won't Fall Down as one of the Pokémon seen at the Safari Zone.

A Butterfree appeared in PS544.

According to the Pokédex at the end of Volume 1, Red appears to have caught a Caterpie, which evolved into a Metapod and then a Butterfree.

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

A Butterfree appeared in Falkner The Bird Keeper's Challenge!!.

A Butterfree appeared in Let's Aim For The Goal!.

In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Shu and Pikachu's Debut!.

A Butterfree appeared in GDZ23.

A Butterfree appeared in GDZ48.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

A Butterfree appeared in Catch That Pokémon Thief!!.

A Butterfree appeared in Pikachu's Birthday Party.

Giovanni was revealed to own a Butterfree in Pokémon Hair Salon Opens!!, where he used it in a haircut salon that he built.

In the TCG

Main article: Butterfree (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

Pokédex entries

Butterfree

Generation I Kanto
#012
Red(ENG) In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed to release 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.
Generation II Johto
#026
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 Hoenn
#—
Kanto
#012
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
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 Sinnoh
#—
Johto
#026
Diamond It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.
SoulSilver Water-repellent powder on its wings enables it to collect honey, even in the heaviest of rains.
Generation V Unova
#—
Black It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
White
Black 2 It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos
Central #025
Hoenn
#—
X It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
Y The wings are protected by rain-repellent dust. As a result, this Pokémon can fly about even in rain.
Omega 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.
Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII Alola
#019
Kanto
#012
Sun Close examination of its large eyes reveals that each eye is composed of a myriad of tiny eyes.
Moon When attacked by other Pokémon, it defends itself by scattering its poisonous scales and fluttering its wings.
Ultra Sun Its wings are covered in toxic scales. If it finds bird Pokémon going after Caterpie, Butterfree sprinkles its scales on them to drive them off.
Ultra Moon Nectar from pretty flowers is its favorite food. In fields of flowers, it has heated battles with Cutiefly for territory.
Let's Go Pikachu Its wings, covered with poisonous powder, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain.
Let's Go Eevee
Generation VIII Galar
#015
Sword In battle, it flaps its wings at great speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.
Shield It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.


Gigantamax Butterfree

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VIII.
Generation VIII Galar
#015
Sword Crystallized Gigantamax energy makes up this Pokémon's blindingly bright and highly toxic scales.
Shield Once it has opponents trapped in a tornado that could blow away a 10-ton truck, it finishes them off with its poisonous scales.


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

Generation I
Red Blue
Evolve Metapod
Blue (Japan)
Evolve Metapod
Yellow
Evolve Metapod
Generation II
Gold
Route 2Morning
National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa
Routes 26, 27, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39, Azalea Town, Ilex Forest, Lake of Rage (Headbutt trees)
Silver
National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa
Crystal
Routes 2, 24, and 25MorningDay
National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa
Ilex Forest (Headbutt trees)
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Trade
Emerald
Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
Evolve Metapod
Colosseum
Trade
XD
Cipher Key Lair (Shadow)
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Evolve Metapod
Platinum
Evolve Metapod
HeartGold
Route 2MorningDay
Viridian ForestMorning
National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa
Route 47, Ilex Forest (Headbutt trees)
SoulSilver
National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa
Pal Park
Forest
Generation V
Black
Trade
White
Route 12 (Rustling grass)
Black 2
Trade
White 2
Pinwheel Forest (Hidden Grotto)
Dream World
Windswept Sky
Generation VI
X Y
Friend Safari (Bug)
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Trade
Generation VII
Sun Moon
Route 5, Melemele Meadow
Route 5, Lush Jungle, Melemele Meadow (SOS Battle)
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Route 5, Melemele Meadow
Route 5, Lush Jungle, Melemele Meadow (SOS Battle)
Let's Go Pikachu
Viridian Forest
Let's Go Eevee
Evolve Metapod
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
East Lake Axewell, Giant's Mirror, Rolling Fields, Slumbering Weald
Bridge Field, Dappled Grove, East Lake Axewell, Giant's Cap, Hammerlocke Hills, Rolling Fields, South Lake Miloch (Max Raid Battle)


Gigantamax Butterfree

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VIII.
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
Rolling Fields (Max Raid Battle)


In side games

Generation I
Snap
Beach
Pinball
Evolve Metapod
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Channel
Forest
Trozei!
Secret Storage 1, Mr. Who's Den
MD Red MD Blue
Evolve Metapod
Generation IV
MD Time
Apple Woods (1F-7F)
MD Darkness
Evolve Metapod
MD Sky
Apple Woods (1F-7F)
Rumble
Silent Forest (Normal Mode C, A & S)
PokéPark Wii
Meadow Zone
Generation V
Rumble Blast
Treetops: Sun-Dappled Bank
Rumble U
Chill Battle: The Forest of Memories (Final Boss)
Generation VI
Battle Trozei
Safari Jungle: Stage 2Su
Shuffle
Event: A Great Chance a Day!
Rumble World
Fairy Land: Pixie Glen (All Areas)
Picross
Area 26: Stage 07


Held items

Game Held Item(s)
Red* Blue* Bitter Berry (100%)
Yellow*
Gold Silver SilverPowder SilverPowder (2%)
Crystal
Emerald* SilverPowder SilverPowder (5%)
HeartGold SoulSilver SilverPowder SilverPowder (5%)
Black White SilverPowder SilverPowder (5%)
Black 2 White 2 SilverPowder SilverPowder (5%)
X Y Silver Powder Silver Powder (5%)
Sun Moon Silver Powder Silver Powder (5%)
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Silver Powder Silver Powder (5%)
Sword Shield Silver Powder Silver Powder (5%)

Stats

Base stats

Generation I-V
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.
Generation VI onward
Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
60
120 - 167 230 - 324
45
45 - 106 85 - 207
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
90
85 - 156 166 - 306
80
76 - 145 148 - 284
70
67 - 134 130 - 262
Total:
395
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.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
2/4 ★★☆☆
Power
2/3 ★★
Skill
2/3 ★★
Stamina
2/3 ★★
Jump
5/5 ★★★★★
Total
13/18 ★★


Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Normal
Fighting ¼×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting ¼×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting ¼×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting ¼×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Notes:

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation VIII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Gust Flying Special 04040 100100% 35
011 Harden Normal Status 0000 —% 30
011 Tackle Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35
011 String Shot Bug Status 0000 09595% 40
011 Bug Bite Bug Physical 06060 100100% 20
Evo.Evo. Gust Flying Special 04040 100100% 35
044 Supersonic Normal Status 0000 05555% 20
088 Confusion Psychic Special 05050 100100% 25
1212 Poison Powder Poison Status 0000 07575% 35
1212 Stun Spore Grass Status 0000 07575% 30
1212 Sleep Powder Grass Status 0000 07575% 15
1616 Psybeam Psychic Special 06565 100100% 20
2020 Whirlwind Normal Status 0000 —% 20
2424 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 09595% 15
2828 Safeguard Normal Status 0000 —% 25
3232 Bug Buzz Bug Special 09090 100100% 10
3636 Tailwind Flying Status 0000 —% 15
4040 Rage Powder Bug Status 0000 —% 20
4444 Quiver Dance Bug Status 0000 —% 20
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Butterfree
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Butterfree
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/TR

Generation VIII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
TM08
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM08 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5
TM09
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM09 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5
TM11
Bag TM Grass SwSh Sprite.png
TM11 Solar Beam Grass Special 120120 100}}100% 10
TM19
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM19 Safeguard Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 25
TM21
Bag TM Psychic SwSh Sprite.png
TM21 Rest Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM23
Bag TM Dark SwSh Sprite.png
TM23 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25
TM24
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM24 Snore Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 15
TM25
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM25 Protect Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM28
Bag TM Grass SwSh Sprite.png
TM28 Giga Drain Grass Special 07575 100}}100% 10
TM31
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM31 Attract Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 15
TM33
Bag TM Water SwSh Sprite.png
TM33 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —}}—% 5
TM34
Bag TM Fire SwSh Sprite.png
TM34 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000 —}}—% 5
TM39
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM39 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM40
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM40 Swift Normal Special 06060 —}}—% 20
TM56
Bag TM Bug SwSh Sprite.png
TM56 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM74
Bag TM Poison SwSh Sprite.png
TM74 Venoshock Poison Special 06565 100}}100% 10
TM76
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM76 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
TM78
Bag TM Flying SwSh Sprite.png
TM78 Acrobatics Flying Physical 05555 100}}100% 15
TM82
Bag TM Electric SwSh Sprite.png
TM82 Electroweb Electric Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM87
Bag TM Fairy SwSh Sprite.png
TM87 Draining Kiss Fairy Special 05050 100}}100% 10
TM95
Bag TM Flying SwSh Sprite.png
TM95 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 095}}95% 15
TR11
Bag TR Psychic Sprite.png
TR11 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TR20
Bag TR Normal Sprite.png
TR20 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TR26
Bag TR Normal Sprite.png
TR26 Endure Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TR27
Bag TR Normal Sprite.png
TR27 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TR29
Bag TR Normal Sprite.png
TR29 Baton Pass Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 40
TR33
Bag TR Ghost Sprite.png
TR33 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15
TR40
Bag TR Psychic Sprite.png
TR40 Skill Swap Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TR46
Bag TR Steel Sprite.png
TR46 Iron Defense Steel Status 0000 —}}—% 15
TR61
Bag TR Bug Sprite.png
TR61 Bug Buzz Bug Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TR65
Bag TR Grass Sprite.png
TR65 Energy Ball Grass Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TR89
Bag TR Flying Sprite.png
TR89 Hurricane Flying Special 110110 070}}70% 10
TR96
Bag TR Bug Sprite.png
TR96 Pollen Puff Bug Special 09090 100}}100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Butterfree
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Butterfree
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

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

By tutoring

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

By a prior evolution

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

TCG-only moves

Move Card
Fly Butterfree (Southern Islands 9)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
Pin012.png
Acquisition: Evolve
Pokémon Trozei!
Trozeiani012.png
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, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky
MDP E 012.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 5.5%
IQ group: A
Pokémon Rumble
Attack ●●●
Defense ●●●
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Blast
Attack ●●●
Defense ●●●
Speed ●●●
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
PPW012.png PokéPark Pad entry:
Butterfree came to the Meadow Zone to play! His favorite Attraction is Pelipper's Circle Circuit.
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Bug
Attack Power: ★★★★★

BT012.png

Pokémon Shuffle
None Shuffle.png
Bug
None Shuffle.png Attack Power: 60 - 105 Raise Max Level.png 5

#749
Shuffle012.png

Rock Shot
Erases two breakable-rock disruptions and increases damage.


Pokémon GO
GO012.png Base HP: 155 Base Attack: 167 Base Defense: 137
Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 1 km Evolution Requirement: N/A
Fast Attacks: Bug Bite*, Confusion, Struggle Bug*
Charged Attacks: Bug Buzz, Psychic, Signal Beam

Evolution

010Caterpie.png
Unevolved
Caterpie
 Bug 
Rare Candy
Level 7
011Metapod.png
First evolution
Metapod
 Bug 
Rare Candy
Level 10
012Butterfree.png
Second evolution
Butterfree
 Bug  Flying 


Forms

Gigantamax

Dynamax icon.png
Gigantamax Factor
Butterfree
Butterfree
Butterfree
 Bug  Flying 

Dynamax Band
Dynamax Band


Lasts for three turns
Butterfree
Gigantamax Butterfree
Butterfree
 Bug  Flying 

Sprites

Generation I
Red Green Red Blue Yellow
Spr 1g 012.png Spr b g1 012.png Spr 1b 012.png Spr b g1 012.png Spr 1y 012.png Spr b g1 012.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation II
Gold Silver Crystal
Spr 2g 012.png Spr b 2g 012.png Spr 2s 012.png Spr b 2s 012.png Spr 2c 012.png Spr b 2c 012.png
Spr 2g 012 s.png Spr b 2g 012 s.png Spr 2s 012 s.png Spr b 2s 012 s.png Spr 2c 012 s.png Spr b 2c 012 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen
Spr 3r 012.png Spr b 3r 012.png Spr 3e 012.png Spr b 3e 012.png Spr 3f 012.png Spr b 3f 012.png
Spr 3r 012 s.png Spr b 3r 012 s.png Spr 3e 012 s.png Spr b 3e 012 s.png Spr 3f 012 s.png Spr b 3f 012 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
Male Male Male Male Male Male
Female Female Female Female Female Female
Shiny Male Shiny Male Shiny Male Shiny Male Shiny Male Shiny Male
Shiny Female Shiny Female Shiny Female Shiny Female Shiny Female Shiny Female
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
Male Male Male Male
Female Female Female Female
Shiny Male Shiny Male Shiny Male Shiny Male
Shiny Female Shiny Female Shiny Female Shiny Female
Front Back Front Back
Generation VI
X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Male
Male
Male
Male
Female
Female
Female
Female
Shiny Male
Shiny Male
Shiny Male
Shiny Male
Shiny Female
Shiny Female
Shiny Female
Shiny Female
Front Back Front Back
Generation VII
Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Male
Male
Male
Male
Female
Female
Female
Female
Shiny Male
Shiny Male
Shiny Male
Shiny Male
Shiny Female
Shiny Female
Shiny Female
Shiny Female
Front Back Front Back
012MS.png For other sprites and images, please see Butterfree images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


Trivia

  • Butterfree was the first Pokémon shown in the anime with an alternate color, pink in its case. This has only been seen in a single female, and unlike a Shiny Butterfree, which has green eyes and pink wings, limbs, and snout, this Butterfree only differed in its pink body and wings.
  • Butterfree has been trained by four important Trainers in the anime: Ash, Ritchie, Solidad, and Drew.
  • Butterfree shares its category with Beautifly. They are both known as the Butterfly Pokémon.
  • Butterfree can be seen as a parallel to Beedrill. Both of their unevolved stages evolve at level 7 and again at level 10. They both go through metamorphosis-like evolution and have the same base stat total of 395. Also, while Beedrill is exclusive to Black and Black 2, Butterfree is exclusive to White and White 2.

Origin

Butterfree's design appears to be based on the black-veined white butterfly.

Gigantamax Butterfree resembles the kaiju Mothra.

Name origin

Butterfree is a combination of butterfly and free, possibly referring to its ability to fly after being grounded for two evolutionary stages. It may also involve パタパタ patapata (onomatopoeia for something flapping, such as wings) and 振る furu (to flap, as in wings).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
Japan Flag.png Japanese バタフリー Butterfree From バタフライ batafurai and フリー furī
France Flag.png French Papilusion From papillon and illusion
Spain Flag.png Spanish Butterfree Same as English/Japanese name
Germany Flag.png German Smettbo From Schmetterling and possibly
Italy Flag.png Italian Butterfree Same as English/Japanese name
South Korea Flag.png Korean 버터플 Butterfle Corruption of 버터플라이 beoteopeullai
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 巴大蝴 Bādàhú Partial transliteration of Japanese name. 蝴 is from 蝴蝶 húdié
Hong Kong Flag.png Cantonese Chinese 巴他蝶 Bātādihp Partial transliteration of Japanese name. 蝶 is from 蝴蝶 wùhdihp


Related articles

External links


011MS.png #011: Metapod
Pokémon
#013: Weedle 013MS.png
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.