Butterfree (Pokémon)

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

Butterfree Butterfly Pokémon バタフリー Butterfree #012 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Bug Flying Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Compound Eyes Cacophony Cacophony Tinted Lens Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 45 (11.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Bug Hatch time 15 cycles
Height 3'07" 1.1 m Butterfree 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 70.5 lbs. 32.0 kg Butterfree 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 160 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 178 V+	Leveling rate Medium Fast
EV yield Total: 3 Butterfree 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 2 Sp.Atk 1 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   White	Base friendship 70
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

Butterfree resembles a vaguely anthropomorphic butterfly with a purple body. Unlike true insects, it only has two body segments and four light blue legs. The upper pair of legs resembles small, three-fingered hands, while the lower pair resembles long, digit-less feet. Butterfree has two black antennae, a light blue snout with two fangs underneath, and large, red compound eyes. Its two pairs of veined wings are white with black accents. The oval scales of a female Butterfree's lower wings are black, but white in males.

Butterfree's wings are covered with poisonous powders that fall off continuously as it flies. This powder repels water, enabling it to gather honey even in the rain. Butterfree will roam up to six miles from its nest in search of honey, which it carries with the hairs of its legs. It also consumes sap from trees pierced by Heracross, as seen in the anime. Butterfree is found in forests but has also been observed flying near the ocean as part of its migratory breeding pattern.

In the anime

In the main series

Butterfree in the anime

An Orange Archipelago Butterfree in the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Butterfree

Ash had a Butterfree that he caught as a Caterpie, the first Pokémon he ever caught. It evolved from Metapod in Challenge of the Samurai. Butterfree was also the first Pokémon Ash let go, allowing it to mate with a pink Butterfree in Bye-Bye Butterfree.

Butterfree also appeared in I Choose You!, which is set in a different continuity from the main series. It evolved from Metapod during a battle against a group of Primeape.

Pink Butterfree

A pink Butterfree appeared in Bye-Bye Butterfree. Ash's Butterfree fell in love with it and fought to save it from Team Rocket. At the end of the episode, Ash released his Butterfree to mate with the pink Butterfree. The pink Butterfree reappeared in I Choose You!, which is set in a timeline different from the main series.

Other

Multiple wild Butterfree appeared in Bye-Bye Butterfree, where they engaged in a mating ceremony that Ash's Butterfree took a part of.

Ritchie has a Butterfree nicknamed Happy. It debuted in A Friend in Deed, where it was used to help Ritchie get out of Team Rocket's runaway truck safely. It reappeared in Friend and Foe Alike and Friends to the End, where it was used during Ritchie's battles in the Indigo Plateau Conference.

A Orange Archipelago variant of Butterfree living on Valencia Island appeared in Poké Ball Peril. It had not eaten for days despite Professor Ivy's effort to make different kinds of food for it. It took a liking to Brock's food, however, and was one of the reasons he stayed behind. It reappeared in a flashback in A Tent Situation.

A Butterfree appeared in Spell of the Unown: Entei, under the ownership of Lisa. It was used in a battle against Ash and went up against his Bulbasaur; the match ended with Bulbasaur being dazed with Sleep Powder and finished off with a gust of wind.

After Team Rocket kidnapped Dr. Gordon and flew away on Jessie's Dustox in Caterpie's Big Dilemma, Xander's giant Metapod evolved into a Butterfree to chase Team Rocket. Xander's Butterfree shrunk back to its normal size at the end of the episode.

A Butterfree appeared in Weekend Warrior, under the ownership of Jeremy. He used it in the Appeals Round of the Silver Town Pokémon Contest.

Drew has a Butterfree, which he used during his two-on-two Contest Battle against May in The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing. Butterfree battled alongside Roselia against Combusken and Beautifly and managed to win.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Butterfree and Me!, where they evolved from Metapod on Wayfarer Island. One Butterfree had been befriended by Ash as a Caterpie, and Ash spent much of the episode helping it eventually evolve into its final form.

Multiple wild Butterfree appeared in I Choose You!, where, much like the events of Bye-Bye Butterfree, they engaged in a mating ceremony that Ash's Butterfree took a part of.

Minor appearances

Butterfree debuted in a fantasy of Ash's Caterpie in Ash Catches a Pokémon.

A Butterfree appeared in The Path to the Pokémon League, under the ownership of A.J. It was first seen carrying A.J.'s bag into the Gym. It was then seen in A.J.'s Gym, training with his Beedrill.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Battle Aboard the St. Anne.

A Butterfree appeared in Pokémon Fashion Flash as one of the Pokémon seen on Scissor Street.

A Butterfree appeared in The March of the Exeggutor Squad.

A Butterfree appeared in Pikachu's Vacation as one of the Pokémon seen at the Pokémon Theme Park.

A Butterfree appeared in Pallet Party Panic as one of the Pokémon at a party in Pallet Town.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of The Power of One.

A flock of Orange Archipelago Butterfree appeared in a flashback in Snack Attack as residents of the Seven Grapefruit Islands.

A Trainer's Orange Archipelago Butterfree appeared in The Mandarin Island Miss Match.

A wild Butterfree appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

An Orange Archipelago Butterfree appeared in Slowking's Day, where it was living on Shamouti Island.

Three Butterfree appeared in The Rivalry Revival, where they were among the Pokémon living at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in A Sappy Ending.

A Butterfree appeared in Once in a Blue Moon.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in For Crying Out Loud, where they played with Wilhomena's Marill.

A Butterfree appeared in Tricks of the Trade as one of the Pokémon seen at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Mewtwo Returns, where they were seen flying over Mount Quena.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Houndoom's Special Delivery.

Three Butterfree appeared in a flashback in The Light Fantastic.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Brock's dream in Sick Daze.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of Celebi: The Voice of the Forest.

A Butterfree appeared in Got Miltank? as an inhabitant of a Pokémon-exclusive oasis.

A Butterfree appeared in A Tyrogue Full of Trouble, where it was followed by Misty's Togepi.

Two Butterfree appeared in Enlighten Up! as residents of Lake Slowpoke.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Fangs for Nothin' as inhabitants of the Dragon Holy Land.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias.

A Butterfree briefly appeared in Camp Pikachu.

A flock of Butterfree appeared before Ash's Larvitar in Hatch Me If You Can.

A Coordinator's Butterfree appeared in Now That's Flower Power!.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of Destiny Deoxys.

A Butterfree appeared in The Green Guardian.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Curbing the Crimson Tide!.

A Coordinator's Butterfly appeared in May, We Harley Drew'd Ya!.

Solidad used her Butterfree in the Kanto Grand Festival in Channeling the Battle Zone.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Pinch Healing!.

A Butterfree appeared in Riding the Winds of Change!.

A wild Butterfree appeared in Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 1). Two additional Butterfree appeared in the follow-up episode.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of Giratina and the Sky Warrior.

A Butterfree appeared in Camping It Up!.

Two Butterfree appeared seen as parts of Lila's famous "Tiger Lily Smile" in Battling the Generation Gap!.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in a flashback in A Trainer and Child Reunion!.

A group of Butterfree appeared in Genesect and the Legend Awakened at Pokémon Hills.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in A Relay in the Sky!, where it was participating in the Pokémon Sky Relay. It was in a team also consisting of Hydreigon and Masquerain.

A Butterfree appeared in A Legendary Photo Op! at Mt. Molteau.

A Butterfree appeared in a flashback in Seeing the Forest for the Trees!.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Alola to New Adventure!, during a flashback.

A Butterfree appeared in Loading the Dex! as a silhouette that Rotom brought up.

A Butterfree appeared in Lillie's Egg-xhilarating Challenge!, where it flew past Lillie's balcony and received some food. It reappeared in A Glaring Rivalry!.

Two Butterfree appeared in A Seasoned Search!, where they were among the Flying-type attracted by Bounsweet's Sweet Scent in their attempts to attract a Oricorio.

A Butterfree appeared in Partner Promises! as a resident of Treasure Island. It reappeared in Alola, Alola!, when Ash revisited the island alongside his classmates and Misty.

Two Butterfree appeared in Lulled to La-La Land! during a flashback.

Two Trainers' Butterfree appeared in Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!.

Four wild Buttefree appeared in Alola, Kanto!.

Three wild Butterfree appeared in Tasting the Bitter with the Sweet!, during a flashback.

Two Trainers' Butterfree appeared in A Young Royal Flame Ignites!.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in The Power of Us.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in All They Want to Do is Dance Dance!.

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.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry BW130 Butterfree Ash's Pokédex Butterfree, the Butterfly Pokémon. Butterfree's love of flower nectar draws it to seek out flowers, even if they don't have much pollen.

In Pokémon Origins

A Butterfree appeared in File 4: Charizard in a fantasy.

In the manga

Butterfree in The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Butterfree in Pokémon Adventures

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.

Melanie took care of three Butterfree in Pikachu's Excellent Adventure.

In the How I Became a Pokémon Card manga

Midori owns a Butterfree that was first in PW10.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Kitty

Butterfree debuts in Wake Up—You're Snorlax! as one of the Pokémon shocked by Red's Pika in a forest.

Yellow's Butterfree, nicknamed Kitty, evolved from her Caterpie that had just recently evolved into a Metapod in The Might of... Metapod?!. Her uncle, Fisherman Wilton, also has a Butterfree, which first appeared in Just a Spearow Carrier. Both of them are able to use Butterfree as a mode of flight, using Butterfree to hold onto their backs as they fly.

A Butterfree appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.

A Butterfree appeared in Out-Odding Oddish, under the ownership of a Pokéathlon participant.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Weavile Wobbles But It Won't Fall Down as one of the Pokémon seen at the Safari Zone.

According to the Pokédex at the end of Volume 1, Red appears to have caught a Caterpie, which evolved into a Metapod and then a Butterfree.

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

Bugsy has a Butterfree as his main Pokémon. It was first seen as a Metapod in Let's Aim For The Goal.

In the Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon manga

A Butterfree appeared in Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Giovanni used a Butterfree in a haircut salon that he built.

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

Generation I Kanto #012 Red(ENG) In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed to release 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 Johto #026 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 Kanto #012 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 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 Johto #026 Diamond It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen. Pearl Platinum 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 Black 2 It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen. White 2

Generation VI Kalos Central #025 X It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen. Y The wings are protected by rain-repellent dust. As a result, this Pokémon can fly about even in rain. Omega 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. Alpha Sapphire

Generation VII Alola #019 Kanto #012 Sun Close examination of its large eyes reveals that each eye is composed of a myriad of tiny eyes. Moon When attacked by other Pokémon, it defends itself by scattering its poisonous scales and fluttering its wings. Ultra Sun Its wings are covered in toxic scales. If it finds bird Pokémon going after Caterpie, Butterfree sprinkles its scales on them to drive them off. Ultra Moon Nectar from pretty flowers is its favorite food. In fields of flowers, it has heated battles with Cutiefly for territory. Let's Go Pikachu Its wings, covered with poisonous powder, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain. Let's Go Eevee

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

Generation I Red Blue Evolve Metapod Blue (Japan) Evolve Metapod Yellow Evolve Metapod

Generation II Gold Route 2Morning National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa Routes 26, 27, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39, Azalea Town, Ilex Forest, Lake of Rage (Headbutt trees) Silver National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa Crystal Routes 2, 24, and 25MorningDay National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa Ilex Forest (Headbutt trees)

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Trade Emerald Trade FireRed LeafGreen Evolve Metapod Colosseum Trade XD Cipher Key Lair (Shadow)

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Evolve Metapod Platinum Evolve Metapod HeartGold Route 2MorningDay Viridian ForestMorning National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa Route 47, Ilex Forest (Headbutt trees) SoulSilver National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa Pal Park Forest

Generation V Black Trade White Route 12 (Rustling grass) Black 2 Trade White 2 Pinwheel Forest (Hidden Grotto) Dream World Windswept Sky

Generation VI X Y Friend Safari (Bug) Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Trade

Generation VII Sun Moon Route 5, Melemele Meadow Route 5, Lush Jungle, Melemele Meadow (SOS Battle) Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Route 5, Melemele Meadow Route 5, Lush Jungle, Melemele Meadow (SOS Battle) Let's Go Pikachu Viridian Forest Let's Go Eevee Evolve Metapod

In side games

Generation I Snap Beach Pinball Evolve Metapod

Generation II This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.

Generation III Channel Forest Trozei! Secret Storage 1, Mr. Who's Den MD Red MD Blue Evolve Metapod

Generation IV MD Time Apple Woods (1F-7F) MD Darkness Evolve Metapod MD Sky Apple Woods (1F-7F) Rumble Silent Forest (Normal Mode C, A & S) PokéPark Wii Meadow Zone

Generation V Rumble Blast Treetops: Sun-Dappled Bank Rumble U Chill Battle: The Forest of Memories (Final Boss)

Generation VI Battle Trozei Safari Jungle: Stage 2Su Shuffle Event: A Great Chance a Day! Rumble World Fairy Land: Pixie Glen (All Areas) Picross Area 26: Stage 07

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Bitter Berry (100%)
Yellow*
Gold	Silver	SilverPowder (2%)
Crystal
Emerald*		SilverPowder (5%)
HeartGold	SoulSilver	SilverPowder (5%)
Black	White	SilverPowder (5%)
Black 2	White 2	SilverPowder (5%)
X	Y	Silver Powder (5%)
Sun	Moon	Silver Powder (5%)
Ultra Sun	Ultra Moon	Silver Powder (5%)

Stats

Base stats

Generation I-V

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.

Generation VI onward

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: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Sp. Def: 80		76 - 145	148 - 284
Speed: 70		67 - 134	130 - 262
Total: 395	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.

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 IX, 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× Fairy 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× Fairy 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× Fairy 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× Fairy 1× None

Notes: If Gravity is in effect, this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball (in Generation IV) or a Ring Target, or it is affected by Smack Down or Ingrain, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is ½×. In Generation V, if this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is 1×. In Generation I, the effectiveness of  Poison-type  moves is 2×.

Learnset

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Gust Flying Special 04040 100100% 35 011 Confusion Psychic Special 05050 100100% 25 Evo.Evo. Gust Flying Special 04040 100100% 35 1313 Poison Powder Poison Status 0000— 07575% 35 1313 Stun Spore Grass Status 0000— 07575% 30 1313 Sleep Powder Grass Status 0000— 07575% 15 1616 Psybeam Psychic Special 06565 100100% 20 1919 Supersonic Normal Status 0000— 05555% 20 2222 Quiver Dance Bug Status 0000— ——% 20 2525 Whirlwind Normal Status 0000— ——% 20 2828 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 09595% 15 3131 Bug Buzz Bug Special 09090 100100% 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 level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM01 TM01 Headbutt Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 TM04 TM04 Teleport Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 20 TM05 TM05 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM07 TM07 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM08 TM08 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM09 TM09 Reflect Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 20 TM12 TM12 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM18 TM18 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM27 TM27 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM40 TM40 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM43 TM43 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM45 TM45 Solar Beam Grass Special 200200 100}}100% 10 TM48 TM48 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM50 TM50 Roost Flying Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM53 TM53 Mega Drain Grass Special 07575 100}}100% 10 TM59 TM59 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15

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 a prior evolution

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

Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Tackle Normal Physical 40 100% 35 String Shot Bug Status — 95% 40 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

Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP Evo.Evo. Gust Flying Special 04040 100100% 35 011 Gust Flying Special 04040 100100% 35 011 Confusion Psychic Special 05050 100100% 25 1111 Confusion Psychic Special 05050 100100% 25 1313 Poison Powder Poison Status 0000— 07575% 35 1313 Stun Spore Grass Status 0000— 07575% 30 1313 Sleep Powder Grass Status 0000— 07575% 15 1717 Psybeam Psychic Special 06565 100100% 20 1919 Silver Wind Bug Special 06060 100100% 5 2323 Supersonic Normal Status 0000— 05555% 20 2525 Safeguard Normal Status 0000— ——% 25 2929 Whirlwind Normal Status 0000— ——% 20 3131 Bug Buzz Bug Special 09090 100100% 10 3535 Rage Powder Bug Status 0000— ——% 20 3737 Captivate Normal Status 0000— 100100% 20 4141 Tailwind Flying Status 0000— ——% 15 4343 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 09595% 15 4747 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 VII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM06 TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM09 TM09 Venoshock Poison Special 06565 100}}100% 10 TM10 TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM11 TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM15 TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM17 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM18 TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM19 TM19 Roost Flying Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM20 TM20 Safeguard Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 25 TM21 TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM22 TM22 Solar Beam Grass Special 120120 100}}100% 10 TM27 TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM29 TM29 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM30 TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM32 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 15 TM40 TM40 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 —}}—% 20 TM42 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM44 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM45 TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM46 TM46 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM48 TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM53 TM53 Energy Ball Grass Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM62 TM62 Acrobatics Flying Physical 05555 100}}100% 15 TM68 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM77 TM77 Psych Up Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM83 TM83 Infestation Bug Special 02020 100}}100% 20 TM85 TM85 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15 TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM88 TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM89 TM89 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 XTM100 TM100 Confide Normal 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 TM moves from other generations

By breeding

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

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

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  S M US UM Bug Bite Bug Physical 60 100% 20 S M US UM Defog Flying Status — —% 15 S M US UM Electroweb Electric Special 55 95% 15 S M US UM Giga Drain Grass Special 75 100% 10 S M US UM Signal Beam Bug Special 75 100% 15 S M US UM Skill Swap Psychic Status — —% 10 S M US UM Snore Normal Special 50 100% 15 S M US UM Tailwind Flying Status — —% 15

A black or white 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 VII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX

Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Tackle Normal Physical 40 100% 35 String Shot Bug Status — 95% 40 Bug BiteSM Bug Physical 60 100% 20 Harden Normal Status — —% 30 * Iron DefenseUSUM Steel Status — —% 15

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

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
Fly	Butterfree (Southern Islands 9)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball Acquisition: Evolve			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!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 5.5% IQ group: A
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●● 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.
Pokémon Battle Trozei Bug Attack Power: ★★★★★			Pokémon Shuffle Bug Attack Power: 60 - 105 5 #749 Rock Shot Erases two breakable-rock disruptions and increases damage.
Pokémon GO Base HP: 155 Base Attack: 167 Base Defense: 137 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 1 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Bug Bite*, Confusion, Struggle Bug* Charged Attacks: Bug Buzz, Psychic, Signal Beam

Evolution

Unevolved Caterpie  Bug

Level 7 →

First Evolution Metapod  Bug

Level 10 →

Second Evolution Butterfree  Bug  Flying

Sprites

Generation I Red Green Red Blue Yellow Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back

Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back

Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back

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

Trivia

• Butterfree was the first Pokémon shown in the anime to have an alternate color, pink. This has only been seen in a single female, and unlike a Shiny Butterfree, which has green eyes and pink wings, limbs, and snout, this Butterfree only differed in its pink body and wings.
• Butterfree has been trained by four important anime Trainers: Ash, Ritchie, Solidad, and Drew.
• Butterfree shares its category with Beautifly. They are both known as the Butterfly Pokémon.
• Butterfree can be seen as a parallel to Beedrill. Both of their unevolved stages evolve at level 7 and again at level 10. They both go through metamorphosis-like evolution and have the same base stat total of 395. Also, while Beedrill is exclusive to Black and Black 2, Butterfree is exclusive to White and White 2.

Origin

Its design appears to be based on the Black-veined White butterfly.

Name origin

Butterfree is a combination of butterfly and free, possibly referring to its ability to fly after being grounded for two evolutionary stages. It may also involve 振る furu (to flap, as in wings).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese バタフリー Butterfree From バタフライ batafurai and フリー furī French Papilusion From papillon and illusion Spanish Butterfree Same as English/Japanese name German Smettbo From Schmetterling and possibly Bö Italian Butterfree Same as English/Japanese name Korean 버터플 Butterfle Corruption of 버터플라이 beoteopeullai Mandarin Chinese 巴大蝴 Bādàhú Partial transliteration of Japanese name. 蝴 is from 蝴蝶 húdié Cantonese Chinese 巴他蝶 Bātādihp Partial transliteration of Japanese name. 蝶 is from 蝴蝶 wùhdihp

More languages Bulgarian Батърфри Batŭrfri Transcription of English name Hebrew בטרפרי Butterfree Transcription of English name Hindi बटरफ्री Batterfri Transcription of English/Japanese name Hungarian Csodalepke "Wonder butterfly" Lithuanian Drugelaisvis From drugys and laisvas Russian Баттерфри Batterfri Transcription of English/Japanese name

Related articles

• Ash's Butterfree
• Pink Butterfree
• Kitty
• Butterfree (Red and Blue Rescue Team)

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

← #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.