Helioptile is a bipedal, lizard-like Pokémon. It is primarily pale yellow with black feet and a black tail tip. The top of its head is also black with a triangular yellow marking on its forehead. It has blue eyes, a V-shaped mouth, a slightly pointed head, a tapering tail, and three toes on each foot. On either side of its head hangs a pointed, extension with a yellow tip. These can stiffen and expand into a frill.
These frills have cells that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. This allows it to create its own energy and thrive without food in its desert home. The frills act similar to solar panels and it the source of Heiloptile's electric moves. However should this process get interrupted, Helioptile will be stressed to the point of weakness. As seen in one of its attack animations in the games, its head and frills glow with a pale yellow light when it uses certain moves.
Helioptile appears in the background of the Prism Tower stage.
Helioptile appears as a trophy in the 3DS version of the game, but not the Wii U version.
Trophy information
A very timid Pokémon that makes its home in arid deserts. The necktie-like frills on either side of its head can be stretched out to absorb sunlight, which Helioptile then uses to generate electricity. Thanks to this energy source, it can even survive without food. If your phone runs out of battery in the desert, why not ask this guy for help?
Game data
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VI.
Helioptile is probably based on frilled-neck lizards, though its frills also resemble those found on secret toad-headed agama. It may also be based on the spotted salamander, a salamander that can photosynthesize. Its ability to learn Surf may be a reference to the common basilisk, a reptile capable of running on water for short distances. Like what its German name suggests, Helioptile may be based on the iguana too. Additionally, it shares few resemblances to the leopard gecko.
Name origin
Helioptile may be a combination of ἥλιος helios (Ancient Greek for sun), heliophile (organism attracted to large amounts of sunlight), and reptile.
Erikiteru may be a combination of elekiter, 襟巻蜥蜴 erimaki tokage (frill-necked lizard), and 照る teru (to shine).
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.