Metapod (Pokémon)

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Caterpie #010: Caterpie
Pokémon
#012: Butterfree 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
011Metapod.png
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type
Bug Unknown
Category
Cocoon Pokémon
Ability
Shed Skin
Exp. at Lv. 100
1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers
Kanto
#011
Johto
#025
Hoenn
#213
Regional Browser numbers
Height
2'04"
Imperial
0.7 m
Metric
Weight
21.8 lbs.
Imperial
9.9 kg
Metric
Dex color
Green
Catch rate
120 (15.7%)
Body style
Body02.png BodyUnknown.png
Blue-Striped
Footprint
 F011.png   F487O.png
Blue-Striped
Gender ratio
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*

Metapod (Japanese: トランセル Trancell) is a Bug-type 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 of a resemblance to a serpentine chrysalis. It also has a striking resemblance to the chrysalis of the Swallowtail Butterfly. 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 using moves that harden their outer shell, they can protect themselves from most kinds of enemies. If it is evolved from a Caterpie it can retain ablities of spitting silk and eating foes berries.

In the anime, despite its idle state it can move and battle, with several ones being able to move and attack its opponent.

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

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

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!.

Multiple Metapod appeared in BW130.


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

Metapod in The Electric Tale of Pikachu

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Main article: Ash's Metapod

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

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
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
Platinum
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
Black 2 A steel-hard shell protects its tender body. It quietly endures hardships while awaiting evolution.
White 2
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
RareR
CommonB
Route 25, Viridian ForestR
Routes 24 and 25, Viridian ForestB
Blue (Japan)
Unknown Routes 24 and 25, Viridian Forest
Yellow
Uncommon Viridian Forest
Generation II
Gold Silver
CommonG
UncommonS
Routes 2, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest, National Park, Bug-Catching ContestG
Bug-Catching ContestS
Crystal
Uncommon Routes 24 and 25, Ilex Forest, Bug-Catching Contest
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
None Trade
Emerald
None Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
RareFR
UncommonLG
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
CommonHG
UncommonSS
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
Rare Route 12 (White only)
Black 2 White 2
None Evolve Caterpie (White 2 only)
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
50
110 - 157 210 - 304
20
22 - 79 40 - 152
55
54 - 117 103 - 229
25
27 - 84 49 - 163
25
27 - 84 49 - 163
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
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground ½×
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground ½×
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground ½×
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground ½×
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Notes:

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 
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 Iron Defense Steel Status —% 15
  • 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 
Caterpie (Pokémon)/Generation V learnset Tackle Normal Physical 50 100% 35
Caterpie (Pokémon)/Generation V learnset String Shot Bug Status 95% 40
Caterpie (Pokémon)/Generation V learnset Bug BiteBW 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
 Pin011.png 
Acquisition: Evolve
Pokémon Pinball RS
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Trozei!
 Trozeiani011.png 
Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
MDP RT 011.png 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
MDP E 011.png 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
Electric Assist.png
( Normal )
None Past
Electrify 1 field move.png
(Electrify ×1)
Browser entry  
This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
PPW011.png 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
PP2011.png 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.
None.png HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}}
Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}}
Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}}
Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}}
Does not evolve.
Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Caterpie
Unevolved
Caterpie
 Bug 
Rare Candy
Level 7


Metapod
First Evolution
Metapod
 Bug 
Rare Candy
Level 10


Butterfree
Second Evolution
Butterfree
 Bug  Flying 


Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
Spr 1b 011.png Spr 1y 011.png Spr 1g 011.png Spr b g1 011.png
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
Spr 2g 011.png Spr 2s 011.png Spr 2c 011.png Spr b 2g 011.png
Spr 2g 011 s.png Spr 2s 011 s.png Spr 2c 011 s.png Spr b 2g 011 s.png
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
Spr 3r 011.png Spr 3e 011.png Spr 3f 011.png Spr b 3r 011.png
Spr 3r 011 s.png Spr 3e 011 s.png Spr 3f 011 s.png Spr b 3r 011 s.png
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
Spr 4d 011.png Spr 4p 011.png Spr 4h 011.png Spr b 4d 011.png
Spr 4d 011 s.png Spr 4p 011 s.png Spr 4h 011 s.png Spr b 4d 011 s.png
V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
Spr 5b 011.png Spr 5b2 011.png Spr b 5b 011.png
Spr 5b 011 s.png Spr 5b2 011 s.png Spr b 5b 011 s.png
Metapod 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 the Cocoon Pokémon.
    • Metapod is tied with them as the weakest evolved Pokémon in the games, by average base stats.
  • 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 Ghost-type Pokémon except by using Struggle. It shared this trait with Caterpie.
    • Due to this, it was impossible to complete a Generation I game using only Caterpie or Metapod, since Struggle couldn't hit Ghost-type at the time.

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 Title Meaning
Japan Flag.png Japanese トランセル Trancell From transform and cell
France Flag.png French Chrysacier From chrysalide and acier
Spain Flag.png Spanish Metapod Same as English name
Germany Flag.png German Safcon From Safe and Kokon
Italy Flag.png Italian Metapod Same as English name
South Korea Flag.png Korean 단데기 Dandegi From 단단 dandan and 번데기 beondegi
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 鐵甲蛹 / 铁甲蛹 Tiějiáyǒng "Armored chrysalis"
Hong Kong Flag.png Cantonese Chinese 鐵甲蟲 Titgaapchùhng "Armored bug"; 甲蟲 means "beetle"


Related articles

External links

Notes



Caterpie #010: Caterpie
Pokémon
#012: Butterfree Butterfree


Project Pokédex logo.png 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.