Caterpie (Pokémon)

← #009: Blastoise	Pokémon	#011: Metapod →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Caterpie (disambiguation).

Caterpie キャタピー Caterpie #010
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Bug Unknown Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Worm Pokémon
Abilities Shield Dust Blue-Striped ----- Run Away Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #010 Johto #024 Hoenn #212 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 1'00" Imperial 0.3 m Metric 1'00"/0.3 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 6.4 lbs. Imperial 2.9 kg Metric 6.4 lbs./2.9 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Green	Catch rate 255 (33.3%)
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 1 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 39 Battle Exp.: 391*
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

Caterpie (Japanese: キャタピー Caterpie) is a Bug-type Pokémon.

It evolves into Metapod starting at level 7, which evolves into Butterfree starting at level 10.

Biology

Physiology

Caterpie is serpentine and resembles a green caterpillar with yellow ring-shaped markings down the sides of its body. Its most notable characteristic is the bright red antennae (osmeterium) on its head. These and the large eye-shaped markings help to startle predators. It shares many characteristics with other larval Pokémon such as Weedle, Wurmple and Sewaddle.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

The antennae on its head will emit a terrible stench from it if the Caterpie is frightened or if the antennae are touched. This serves as an effective protective mechanism against most predators. Its feet are tipped with suction cups, permitting this Pokémon to scale most surfaces with minimal effort. It can also spit a string from its mouth in order to entangle foes as seen in Ash Catches a Pokémon, when Caterpie uses String Shot on the villainous Team Rocket.

Much like many un-evolved Bug-type Pokémon Caterpie can trust in a small moveset, not being able to trust in TMs, HMs or inheriting moves from its parents. Recently Caterpie and other Bug-type Pokémon have been found to have the ability to bite opponents and eat a Berry they may be holding. Through specialized training it can learn to shoot a powerful string that can also lower speed and attack while asleep.

Behavior

Caterpie grow very quickly, and need to eat voraciously in order to meet their energy requirements. They have various adaptations that permit them to devour plant material safely, including an antenna that releases a horrible smell. It will shed its skin many times before finally cocooning itself in thick silk. While some Trainers are disgusted by the idea of Bug-type Pokémon, they are ideal targets for new Trainers as they are weak in the wild and evolve into their final forms at a low level.

Habitat

File:Forest.gif

Forest Pokémon

Caterpie can often be found in wooded areas, such as Viridian Forest. It is native to the Kanto and the Johto region, but has also been encountered in Sinnoh as well.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Caterpie primarily feed on vegetation, such as tree leaves. According to Pokémon Adventures, its favorite food is the Vermilion flower.

In the anime

Caterpie in the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Caterpie

A Caterpie was the first Pokémon that Ash Ketchum caught from the wild, in Ash Catches a Pokémon. It evolved into Metapod in the same episode, and then into Butterfree the following episode.

Other

Bucky owns a Caterpie as seen in The Dunsparce Deception where he used it to compete in a race with Dunsparce but lost due to its slow speed.

A Caterpie that appeared in Caterpie's Big Dilemma belonging to a young Trainer named Xander ate some of Dr. Gordon's enhanced Rare Candies and turned giant. Xander's Caterpie eventually evolved into a Mothra-sized Butterfree.

Minor appearances

A Caterpie appeared in Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village. It was one of the Pokémon in Melanie's care. It reappeared in a flashback in Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!.

A Caterpie appeared in Electric Shock Showdown under the ownership of an unnamed Trainer.

A Caterpie also appeared in Battle Aboard the St. Anne, Pokémon Fashion Flash, The Breeding Center Secret and Clefairy Tales.

A Caterpie appeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back.

A Pink Caterpie appeared in In the Pink, residing on the Pinkan Island.

Multiple Caterpie appeared in Tracey Gets Bugged.

Ralph and Emily were both shown in a flashback to have once owned a Caterpie each in Wherefore Art Thou, Pokémon?.

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

Multiple Caterpie appeared in For Crying Out Loud where they were accidentally wet by Wilhelmina's Marill.

A Caterpie appeared in The Bug Stops Here. Misty chases it away when it is talking with Togepi.

A Caterpie was one of the sick Pokémon in a Pokémon Center in Carrying On!.

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

A Caterpie was one of the inhabitants of an oasis just for Pokémon in Got Miltank?.

Multiple Caterpie appeared in For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll! where they protected the Tin Tower after Team Rocket stole the crystal bells on the top floor.

In Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution, Team Rocket's experiments made Pokémon feel sick, one being a Caterpie.

A Caterpie made a brief appearance in Camp Pikachu.

A Caterpie appeared in the opening of Pokémon Heroes and Destiny Deoxys.

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

A Caterpie appeared under the possession of a Coordinator in Hi Ho Silver Wind!

A Caterpie also appeared in One Big Happiny Family! in Jessie's fantasy.

A Caterpie appeared in One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!.

Multiple Caterpie made a brief appearance in Coming Full-Festival Circle!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry AG142 Caterpie May's Pokédex Caterpie, the Worm Pokémon. Caterpie uses the suction cups on its feet to climb trees and feed on its favorite leaves.

In the manga

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Main article: Ash's Butterfree

Ash's Caterpie appears in the manga series The Electric Tale of Pikachu.

Caterpie is the second wild Pokémon that Ash captures in the manga. It was caught in Pikachu, I See You!. It evolves twice in Play Misty For Me - first into Metapod while Ash is showing off his Pokémon to Misty, and then into Butterfree during his Gym battle against Misty.

Ash is not shown releasing his Butterfree in the manga, although it is not seen after Haunting My Dreams.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Yellow's Butterfree, Kitty, as a Caterpie

Main article: Kitty

Caterpie's first appearance is a cameo in Bulbasaur, Come Home! as one of the Pokémon that escapes from Professor Oak's Laboratory. It also makes a cameo in The Secret of Kangaskhan.

Caterpie made its main appearance in the Yellow arc. With the help of her fishing rod and Red's Pika, Yellow saved a Caterpie from its tree, which was targeted by a fire attack. Caterpie then followed Yellow to where she and Blue were training, next to the Rock Tunnel. It took Yellow a whole day to properly catch this Caterpie with a Poké Ball, but once she prevailed, Yellow welcomed Caterpie to her team and called it "Kitty". It then became one of Yellow's most useful Pokémon, whose string was commonly used to make floaters. However, in the battle against Lance, Yellow did not have a Pokédex, which she needed to stop her Pokémon from evolving, and so Kitty evolved into Metapod and then into Butterfree right afterwards.

In the Pokémon Get da ze! manga

Shū has a Caterpie that he uses in various creative ways, mostly involving strange uses of its String Shot.

In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team manga

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team, a Caterpie was attacked by an Ariados. Ginji had to save the Caterpie from harm.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

A Caterpie is seen with Green during the baseball match that took place in Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Baseball Tournament!.

In the TCG

Main article: Caterpie (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Caterpie is rescued in the first mission of the game. It is too young to be of any help to the rescue team but remains a strong fan throughout the game, even in its darkest hour.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls. Blue Yellow If you touch the feeler on top of its head, it will release a horrible stink to protect itself. Stadium It has large, eye-like patterns on its head as protection. They are used to frighten off enemies.
Generation II Gold For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies. Silver Its feet have suction cups designed to stick to any surface. It tenaciously climbs trees to forage. Crystal It crawls into foliage where it camouflages itself among leaves that are the same color as its body. Stadium 2 For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies.
Generation III Ruby Caterpie has a voracious appetite. It can devour leaves bigger than its body right before your eyes. From its antenna, this Pokémon releases a terrifically strong odor. Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}} Emerald Its voracious appetite compels it to devour leaves bigger than itself without hesitation. It releases a terribly strong odor from its antennae. FireRed It is covered with a green skin. When it grows, it sheds the skin, covers itself with silk, and becomes a cocoon. LeafGreen Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.
Generation IV Diamond It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies. SoulSilver Its feet have suction cups designed to stick to any surface. It tenaciously climbs trees to forage.
Generation V Black It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly. White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Alternate games

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

Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.

Pokémon Trading Card Game (Neo Discovery)

For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies.

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue RareR CommonB Route 25, Viridian ForestR Routes 2, 24, and 25, Viridian ForestB Blue (Japan) Common Routes 2, 24, and 25, Viridian Forest Yellow Common Viridian Forest
Generation II Gold Silver Common Routes 2, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest, National Park, Bug-Catching Contest, Headbutt treesG Bug-Catching ContestS Crystal Common Routes 2, 24, 25, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest, National Park, Bug-Catching Contest
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen Common Routes 2, 24, and 25, Viridian Forest, Pattern Bush Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Dongle Route 204 (FireRed) Platinum Dongle Route 204, Eterna Forest (FireRed) HeartGold SoulSilver Common Routes 2, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest, National Park, Bug-Catching Contest, Viridian Forest, Headbutt treesHG Bug-Catching ContestSS Pal Park Forest Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Breed Metapod or Butterfree (White only) Black 2 White 2 None Breed Butterfree (White 2 only) Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Channel	Viridian Forest
Pokémon Pinball	Viridian Forest Cerulean City
Pokémon Trozei!	Phobos Train Endless Level 9 Trozei Battle Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Wish Cave (2F-4F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Apple Woods (1F-4F) Oran Forest (1F-4F)
Pokémon Rumble	Silent Forest Normal Mode C
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Treetops: Sun-Dappled Bank
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure	Meadow Zone

Held items

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

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 45		105 - 152	200 - 294
Attack: 30		31 - 90	58 - 174
Defense: 35		36 - 95	67 - 185
Sp. Atk: 20		22 - 79	40 - 152
Sp. Def: 20		22 - 79	40 - 152
Speed: 45		45 - 106	85 - 207
Total: 195	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 20.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 2/3 ★★☆	Power 1/3 ★☆☆
Skill 4/4 ★★★★	Stamina 2/3 ★★☆
Jump 2/2 ★★	Total 11/15 ★★☆

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 Tackle Normal Physical 05050 100100% 35 00Start String Shot Bug Status 0000— 09595% 40 1515 Bug Bite Bug Physical 06060 100100% 20

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Caterpie Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Caterpie 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 Caterpie Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Caterpie 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 Caterpie 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 Caterpie in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Caterpie Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Caterpie 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
B	W	B2	W2	Bug Bite	Bug	Physical	60	100%	20
B	W	B2	W2	Electroweb	Electric	Special	55	95%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Snore	Normal	Special	40	100%	15
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Caterpie can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Caterpie cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Caterpie Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Caterpie Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
Headbutt	Expedition Base Set

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball     Acquisition: Catch		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: 10.2% Friend Area: Mist-Rise Forest Phrases 51%-100% HP I'll eat lots and grow big. 26%-50% HP This is so hard... My health is down to half. 1%-25% HP I can't keep up... I can't spit silk anymore... Level up I leveled up! Happy! 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! Happy!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 8.2% 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: Caterpie fell out of the White Tree on the other side of the bridge in the Meadow Zone! Her favorite Attraction is Bulbasaur's Daring Dash.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: Weak: PokéPark Pad entry: Their steps are slow, but they are quite aggressive and hate to lose. They are second to none in spirit.
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 Caterpie images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Other sprites

FireRed/LeafGreen back sprites	HeartGold/SoulSilver back sprites

Trivia

• Caterpie was the first Pokémon to be seen evolving in the anime.
  • It is also the first Pokémon to be seen being caught in the anime, by Ash Ketchum.
• Caterpie, along with Weedle and Wurmple, evolve at level 7, the lowest level required for any Pokémon that evolves by leveling up.
  • Also, their known Abilities are same, Shield Dust and Run Away.
• Caterpie is the first Bug-type Pokémon in National Pokédex order.
• Caterpie is the first Pokémon in National Pokédex order which has the same name in English and Japanese.
• Caterpie shares the same species name with Wurmple. They are both known as Worm Pokémon.
• Though Caterpie's ability to release a terrible smell is mentioned in many of its Pokédex entries, it cannot have the Ability Stench.
• Caterpie shares a fairly similar in-game cry with Goldeen, being only .07 seconds shorter.
• Until the release of Pokémon Platinum, when it became able to learn Bug Bite, Caterpie was unable to do anything to a Ghost type outside of struggling except lower its Speed. It shares this trait with its evolution, Metapod. This is also true for Weedle, and its evolution, Kakuna, against Steel types before Pokémon Platinum was released.
• Caterpie is the first Pokémon in National Pokédex order that isn't related to a starter Pokémon.
• In the anime and in Pokémon Adventures, Caterpie holds the record as the Pokémon who takes the least time to evolve twice, taking only one episode in the anime and one chapter in Pokémon Adventures.

Origin

Caterpie is a stylized caterpillar, most resembling an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar. Its "antenna" is an osmeterium, an organ unique to swallowtail caterpillars which, like Caterpie, they use to emit a foul odor.

Name origin

Caterpie is a corruption of caterpillar.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese キャタピー Caterpie Corruption of caterpillar French Chenipan From chenille and pan; also a pun on chenapan Spanish Caterpie Same as English/Japanese name German Raupy From Raupe Italian Caterpie Same as English/Japanese name Korean 캐터피 Kaeteopi Transliteration of Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 綠毛蟲 / 绿毛虫 Lǜmáochóng "Green caterpillar", or literally, "Green furry worm" Cantonese Chinese 綠毛蟲 Luhkmòuhchùhng "Green caterpillar", or literally, "Green furry worm"

More languages

Related articles

• Ash's Caterpie

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

Notes

← #009: Blastoise

Pokémon

#011: Metapod →

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.