Butterfree (Pokémon)

← #011: Metapod	Pokémon	#013: Weedle →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Butterfree (disambiguation).

Butterfree バタフリー Butterfree #012
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Bug Flying Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Butterfly Pokémon
Abilities Compoundeyes Blue-Striped ----- Tinted Lens Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #012 Johto #026 Hoenn #214 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 3'07" Imperial 1.1 m Metric 3'07"/1.1 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 70.5 lbs. Imperial 32.0 kg Metric 70.5 lbs./32.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color White	Catch rate 45 (5.9%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Bug group 11 cycles (2805 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 2 Sp.Def 1 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 173 Battle Exp.: 1731*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

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.

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. Butterfree's body’s coloration is a darker purple-blue. It has large veined wings which are white with black markings. These 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.

In addition to the usual powers posessed by Bug-type Pokémon, Butterfree also learns a variety of powerful Template:Type2 moves.

Behavior

Butterfree spends most of its time foraging for nectar and pollen, locating the flowers by its sense of smell. 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.

Habitat

File:Forest.gif

Forest Pokémon

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 Butterfree's migratory breeding pattern. This Pokémon's natural range includes Kanto and Johto.

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

Butterfree in the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Butterfree

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's Butterfree

Ritchie has a Butterfree named Happy. It was first seen in A Friend in Deed.

Other

After Team Rocket kidnapped Dr. Gordon and flew away on Jessie's Dustox 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.

Minor appearances

A differently patterned Butterfree appeared in Poké Ball Peril.

A flock of Butterfree were seen flying over Mt. Quena in Mewtwo Returns.

Another flock of Butterfree appeared before Larvitar in Hatch Me If You Can.

A Butterfree appeared in Now That’s Flower Power! as a Pokémon in the Contest.

A regular Butterfree appeared in Pinch Healing!.

Butterfree appeared in Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Part One.

Another Butterfree appeared in Camping It Up!.

It was also seen as part of Lila's famous "Tiger Lily Smile" background in Battling the Generation Gap!.

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.

In the manga

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Main article: Ash's Butterfree

Ash's Butterfree makes a brief appearance in the manga series The Electric Tale of Pikachu. It was first caught in Pikachu, I See You! as a Caterpie and then evolved into Metapod in Play Misty For Me.

Ash's Metapod evolves into Butterfree in Play Misty For Me during Ash's Gym battle with Misty. Its last appearance as a Butterfree was in Haunting My Dreams, battling a giant Haunter.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Kitty

In Pokémon Adventures, 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.

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

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 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 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 {{{sapphiredex}}} 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 {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} 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 Black It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y 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

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 Rare Route 2, Bug-Catching Contest, Headbutt trees (Gold) Bug-Catching Contest (Silver) Crystal Rare Routes 2, 24, and 25, Bug-Catching Contest, Headbutt 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 Evolve Metapod HeartGold SoulSilver Rare Route 2, Bug-Catching Contest, Viridian Forest, Headbutt trees (HeartGold) Bug-Catching Contest (SoulSilver) Pal Park Forest Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White Rare Route 12 (Rustling Grass) (White only) 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 Pinball	Evolve Metapod
Pokémon Trozei!	Secret Storage 1 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Evolve Metapod
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Apple Woods (1F-7F) (Time) Evolve Metapod
Pokémon Rumble	Silent Forest
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure	Meadow Zone

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Gold	Silver	SilverPowder (8%)
Crystal

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 60		120 - 167	230 - 324
Attack: 45		45 - 106	85 - 207
Defense: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Sp. Atk: 80		76 - 145	148 - 284
Sp. Def: 80		76 - 145	148 - 284
Speed: 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.

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 V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting ¼× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 4× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water 1× Grass ¼× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting ¼× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 4× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water 1× Grass ¼× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting ¼× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 4× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water 1× Grass ¼× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting ¼× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 4× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water 1× Grass ¼× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Notes: If Gravity is in effect, this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball or a Ring Target, or it is affected by Smack Down or Ingrain, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is ½×. In Generation I, the effectiveness of  Poison-type  moves is 2×.

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Confusion Psychic Special 05050 100100% 25 1010 Confusion Psychic Special 05050 100100% 25 1212 PoisonPowder Poison Status 0000— 07575% 35 1212 Stun Spore Grass Status 0000— 07575% 30 1212 Sleep Powder Grass Status 0000— 07575% 15 1616 Gust Flying Special 04040 100100% 35 1818 Supersonic Normal Status 0000— 05555% 20 2222 Whirlwind Normal Status 0000— 100100% 20 2424 Psybeam Psychic Special 06565 100100% 20 2828 Silver Wind Bug Special 06060 100100% 5 3030 Tailwind Flying Status 0000— ——% 30 3434 Rage Powder Bug Status 0000— ——% 20 3636 Safeguard Normal Status 0000— ——% 25 4040 Captivate Normal Status 0000— 100100% 20 4242 Bug Buzz Bug Special 09090 100100% 10 4646 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/HM

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM09	Venoshock	Poison	Special	06565	100}}100%	10
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM11	Sunny Day	Fire	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM15	Hyper Beam	Normal	Special	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM20	Safeguard	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	25
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM22	SolarBeam	Grass	Special	120120	100}}100%	10
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM29	Psychic	Psychic	Special	09090	100}}100%	10
	TM30	Shadow Ball	Ghost	Special	08080	100}}100%	15
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM40	Aerial Ace	Flying	Physical	06060	—}}—%	20
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM45	Attract	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM46	Thief	Dark	Physical	04040	100}}100%	10
	TM48	Round	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM53	Energy Ball	Grass	Special	08080	100}}100%	10
	TM62	Acrobatics	Flying	Physical	05555	100}}100%	15
	TM68	Giga Impact	Normal	Physical	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM70	Flash	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM76	Struggle Bug	Bug	Special	03030	100}}100%	20
	TM77	Psych Up	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM85	Dream Eater	Psychic	Special	100100	100}}100%	15
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM89	U-turn	Bug	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
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 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 Butterfree 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 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 V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Butterfree can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Butterfree cannot be tutored the move 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Stage	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Tackle	Normal	Physical	50	100%	35
	String Shot	Bug	Status	—	95%	40
	Bug Bite	Bug	Physical	60	100%	20
	Harden	Normal	Status	—	—%	30
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

Dream World-only moves

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Event	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
Dream World	Air Cutter	Flying	Special	55	95%	25
Dream World	Roost	Flying	Status	—	—%	10
A superscript level indicates that Butterfree can learn this move normally in Generation V at that level 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 event moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

• Fly

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		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! 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! I'm in peak form! Let me show you!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 5.5% 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 ( Normal ) None Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Rumble N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: Butterfree came to the Meadow Zone to play! His favorite Attraction is Pelipper's Circle Circuit.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Unevolved Caterpie  Bug

Level 7 →

First Evolution Metapod  Bug

Level 10 →

Second Evolution 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
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Butterfree images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• 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, in which only its wings, feet, hands, and mouth are pink.
• Even though it is part Bug type, it could not learn any Bug type moves until Generation III, not even by TM.
• Butterfree has been trained by four important anime Trainers: Ash, Ritchie, Solidad, and Drew.
• Butterfree shares the same species name with Beautifly. They are both known as the Butterfly Pokémon.
• Even though the 'main' part of its body is purple, it is classed as being white in the Pokédex. This is likely because the large wings of Butterfree are mostly white. A similar situation happens with Mothim.
• While Butterfree cannot learn Iron Defense itself, it can be taught it as a Metapod before evolving. It shares this trait with Beedrill, Dustox, Beautifly, Huntail, Gorebyss, and Salamence.
• Butterfree can be seen as a parallel to Beedrill. Both of their unevolved stages evolve into their respective first evolutionary stages at level 7, which then evolve into their respective final forms at level 10. They both also go through metamorphosis-like evolution and have same amount base stat total of 385.

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.

In other languages

Language Name Name Origin German Smettbo From schmetterling and possibly bö. French Papilusion From papillon and illusion. Korean 버터플 Beoteopeul Corruption of butterfly. Chinese (Taiwan) 巴大蝴 Bā Dà Hú 巴大 sounds like butter in Butterfree, 蝴 is from 蝴蝶. Chinese (Hong Kong) 巴他蝶 Bā Tā Dié 巴他 sounds like butter in Butterfree, 蝶 is from 蝴蝶. Hungarian Csodalepke "Wonder butterfly".

Related articles

• Ash's Butterfree
• Pink Butterfree

Notes

← #011: Metapod

Pokémon

#013: Weedle →

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.