Metapod (Pokémon)

← #010: Caterpie	Pokémon	#012: Butterfree →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Metapod (disambiguation).

Metapod トランセル Trancell #011
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Bug ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Cocoon Pokémon
Ability Shed Skin ----- Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #011 Johto #025 Hoenn #213 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 2'04" Imperial 0.7 m Metric 2'04"/0.7 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 21.8 lbs. Imperial 9.9 kg Metric 21.8 lbs./9.9 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Green	Catch rate 120 (15.7%)
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 2 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 72 Battle Exp.: 721*
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

Metapod (Japanese: トランセル Trancell) is a Template:Type2 Pokémon.

It evolves from Caterpie starting at level 7 and evolves into Butterfree starting at level 10.

Biology

Physiology

While Metapod is classified as a cocoon Pokémon, it bears more resemblance to a serpentine chrysalis. Its soft body is protected by a hard outer shell while it undergoes metamorphosis. While this shell is said to be as hard as steel, a large sudden impact could cause its vulnerable body to pop out, leaving it completely exposed. It shares many physiological and behavioral characteristics with Kakuna, Silcoon and Cascoon suggesting a possible relation between the four.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Metapod possess a very limited range of movement. However, by hardening their outer shell, they can protect themselves from most kinds of enemies.

Behavior

In order to conserve as much energy as possible, Metapod generally remain motionless. They can be very difficult to spot in the wild, because their green coloration helps them blend in with the treetop canopies. If an enemy discovers Metapod, it is unable to do anything other than harden its outer shell. While this is enough to deter most predators, it does not offer complete protection, as the Metapod's insides remain soft and vulnerable. Its second line of defense is to drop out of the trees using String Shot. Because of its vulnerability, Metapod evolve rapidly into their final evolutionary stage.

Habitat

File:Forest.gif

Forest Pokémon

Metapod can often be found in wooded areas, such as Viridian Forest. They dangle themselves from leafy canopies using String Shot. They can be found in Kanto and Johto with reports of them being seen in Sinnoh and Unova as well.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Metapod does not eat. It relies on the energy it stored as a Caterpie.

In the anime

File:Xander Metapod.png

Metapod in the anime

Metapod's original evolution method

Major appearances

Ash's Metapod

Ash had a Metapod that he caught as a Caterpie and evolved in Ash Catches a Pokémon. It eventually evolved into Butterfree in Challenge of the Samurai.

Other

Samurai, in Challenge of the Samurai, battled Ash's Metapod with his own Metapod, but because both Metapod only knew Harden, the battle went on for hours until a swarm of Beedrill forced the battle to end.

In Gettin' The Bugs Out, Bugsy used a Metapod against Ash for the Gym Battle. Unlike most Metapod, this one was actually able to fight back by using Tackle. Multiple other Metapod were also seen in the Azalea Gym in the same episode.

In Caterpie's Big Dilemma, Xander's Caterpie became giant-sized after eating some enhanced Rare Candies. Xander's Caterpie knocked down part of a radio tower in order to make a place for it to evolve into Metapod. It later evolved again to become a Butterfree.

Minor appearances

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

A Metapod appeared in The Breeding Center Secret.

A Metapod had a small cameo in Tracey Gets Bugged as one of the Bug Pokémon on Murcott Island.

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

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

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP003 Metapod Ash's Pokédex Metapod, Caterpie's next stage. It has encased its body in a hard shell. This specimen reached this stage faster than any previously discovered Pokémon of this variety.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry AG142 Metapod May's Pokédex Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon. Metapod is the evolved form of Caterpie. Using a hard shell to protect its body, it prepares for its next evolution.

In the manga

Ash's Metapod in The Electric Tale of Pikachu

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. In this appearance it appears to be slightly thinner than other Metapod, as well as having a large spike on its back.

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

Metapod's first appearance is a cameo in Bulbasaur, Come Home! as one of the Pokémon that escapes from Professor Oak's Laboratory. Yellow's Caterpie, which was called "Kitty", briefly evolved into Metapod before evolving again into Butterfree during Yellow's showdown with Lance. Bugsy also uses two Metapod on his team.

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

Bugsy's Butterfree was first seen as a Metapod in Let's Aim For The Goal. It evolved prior to Gold And Black VS. Team Rocket.

In the TCG

Main article: Metapod (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team: Metapod is Caterpie's friend.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red This Pokémon is vulnerable to attack while its shell is soft, exposing its weak and tender body. Blue Yellow Hardens its shell to protect itself. However, a large impact may cause it to pop out of its shell. Stadium When it hardens, only the external shell is transformed. The inside remains tender.
Generation II Gold Inside the shell, it is soft and weak as it prepares to evolve. It stays motionless in the shell. Silver It prepares for evolution by hardening its shell as much as possible to protect its soft body. Crystal This is its preevolved form. At this stage, it can only harden, so it remains motionless to avoid attack. Stadium 2 Inside the shell, it is soft and weak as it prepares to evolve. It stays motionless in the shell.
Generation III Ruby The shell covering this Pokémon's body is as hard as an iron slab. Metapod does not move very much. It stays still because it is preparing its soft innards for evolution inside the hard shell. Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}} Emerald Its shell is as hard as an iron slab. A Metapod does not move very much because it is preparing its soft innards for evolution inside the shell. FireRed Even though it is encased in a sturdy shell, the body inside is tender. It can't withstand a harsh attack. LeafGreen This Pokémon is vulnerable to attack while its shell is soft, exposing its weak and tender body.
Generation IV Diamond A steel-hard shell protects its tender body. It quietly endures hardships while awaiting evolution. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold Inside the shell, it is soft and weak as it prepares to evolve. It stays motionless in the shell. SoulSilver It prepares for evolution by hardening its shell as much as possible to protect its soft body.
Generation V Black A steel-hard shell protects its tender body. It quietly endures hardships while awaiting evolution. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

In side games

Pokémon Pinball, Pokémon Trading Card Game (Base Set, Base Set 2, Legendary Collection)

This Pokémon is vulnerable to attack while its shell is soft, exposing its weak and tender body.

Pokémon Trading Card Game (Neo Discovery)

Inside the shell, it is soft and weak as it prepares to evolve. It stays motionless in the shell.

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 24 and 25, Viridian ForestWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow Uncommon Viridian Forest
Generation II Gold Silver Common (Gold) Uncommon (Silver) Routes 2, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest, National Park, Bug-Catching Contest (Gold) Bug-Catching Contest (Silver) Crystal Uncommon Routes 24 and 25, Ilex Forest, Bug-Catching Contest
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen Rare (FireRed) Uncommon (LeafGreen) Routes 24 and 25, Viridian Forest, Pattern Bush Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Dongle Eterna Forest (FireRed) Platinum Dongle Eterna Forest (FireRed) HeartGold SoulSilver Common (HeartGold) Uncommon (SoulSilver) Routes 2, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest, National Park, Bug-Catching Contest, Viridian Forest, Headbutt trees (HeartGold) Bug-Catching Contest (SoulSilver) Pal Park Forest Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White Rare Route 12 (White only) Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Snap	River
Pokémon Pinball	Evolve Caterpie
Pokémon Trozei!	SOL Laboratory 2 Secret Storage 8 Endless Level 4 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Joyous Tower (7F-8F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Mystifying Forest (B1-B13) Mystery Jungle (B1-B29) Happy Outlook (B1-B19)
Pokémon Rumble	Silent Forest Normal Mode C & A
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Treetops: Sun-Dappled Bank
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure	Haunted Zone

Held items

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

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 50		110 - 157	210 - 304
Attack: 20		22 - 79	40 - 152
Defense: 55		54 - 117	103 - 229
Sp. Atk: 25		27 - 84	49 - 163
Sp. Def: 25		27 - 84	49 - 163
Speed: 30		31 - 90	58 - 174
Total: 205	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 25.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 1/3 ★☆☆	Power 1/3 ★☆☆
Skill 1/1 ★	Stamina 4/5 ★★★★☆
Jump 2/3 ★★☆	Total 9/15 ★☆☆

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:

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

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

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

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

Notes: 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 Harden Normal Status 0000— ——% 30 077 Harden Normal Status 0000— ——% 30

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Metapod Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Metapod 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 Metapod Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Metapod 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 Metapod 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 Metapod in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Metapod Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Metapod 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 Metapod can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Metapod cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Metapod Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Metapod 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
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Metapod Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Metapod Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
Stun Spore	Metapod (Base Set 54)
Rollout	Metapod (Expedition 87)
Sharpen	Metapod (HeartGold & SoulSilver 46)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -19% Friend Area: Mist-Rise Forest Phrases 51%-100% HP Now is the time to endure. 26%-50% HP Oh, no... My health is down to half... 1%-25% HP I can't keep going... I don't know if I can metamorphose... Level up Oh! I leveled up! 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 Oh! I leveled up!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -10% 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 Attack ● Defense ● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ● Defense ● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: Metapod fell off the White Tree at the entrance to the Haunted House. He stays busy watching all the visitors to the Haunted House.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: Weak: PokéPark Pad entry: She lived in the Arbor Area, but a twist of fate brought her to the Crag Area. She admires Serperior.
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 Metapod images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• Metapod shares the same species name with Kakuna, Silcoon, and Cascoon. They are all known as Cocoon Pokémon.
  • Metapod is tied with Kakuna, Silcoon, and Cascoon as the weakest evolved Pokémon in the games, by average base stats.
• Metapod is one of five Pokémon without a Hidden Ability that evolves from and into a Pokémon with a Hidden Ability. The others are Kakuna, Pupitar, Silcoon, and Cascoon.
• Despite its limited mobility, Metapod can know Tackle if it evolves from Caterpie. Also, in Pokémon Platinum, it can learn Bug Bite by evolution from Caterpie despite not having a visible mouth.
• Metapod is the first Pokémon to evolve in a movie. It is part of the first evolution cycle in an anime episode.
• Until the release of Pokémon Platinum, when its pre-evolution became able to learn Bug Bite, Metapod was unable to damage Template:Type2 Pokémon except by using Struggle. It shared this trait with Caterpie.

Origin

Its design appears to be based upon a generic butterfly chrysalis, most likely a Cabbage White or Swallowtail chrysalis.

Name origin

Metapod is a combination of metamorphosis and pod (referring to its chrysalis state).

Trancell appears to be a combination of transform and cell or shell.

In other languages

Language Name Name Origin German Safcon A combination of Safe and Kokon. French Chrysacier From chrysalide and acier. Korean 단데기 Dandegi Possibly a corruption of 번데기 meondegi. Chinese (Mandarin) 鐵甲蛹 / 铁甲蛹 Tiějiáyǒng Means "Armored chrysalis". Chinese (Cantonese) 鐵甲蟲 Titgaapchùhng Means "Armored bug". Note that 甲蟲 means "beetle".

Related articles

• Ash's Metapod

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

Notes

← #010: Caterpie

Pokémon

#012: Butterfree →

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.