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 Butterfree Gigantamax Butterfree Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Bug Flying Unknown Unknown Gigantamax Butterfree Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Compound Eyes Cacophony Gigantamax Butterfree Cacophony Tinted Lens Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Gigantamax Butterfree 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 55'09"+ 17.0+ m Gigantamax Butterfree 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 70.5 lbs. 32.0 kg Butterfree ??? lbs. ??? kg Gigantamax Butterfree 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 Gigantamax Butterfree 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 Gigantamax Butterfree
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.

Butterfree has a Gigantamax form.

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 resemble 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. The red compound eyes at a closer look are reveled to be myriad of tiny eyes. Its two pairs of wings are white with black venation. Two oval scales on a female Butterfree's lower wings are black, but they are white on a male.

The wings of Butterfree are coated with poisonous scales that easily fall off continuously as it flies. If inhaled, it results in several status conditions. It will defend Caterpie from bird Pokémon using this powder. This powder also repels water, enabling it to gather honey even in the rain. Butterfree can use its sensitive antenna to detect the odors of blooming flowers six miles (ten kilometers) from its nest in search of nectar, which it carries with the hairs of its legs. Sometimes, it has territorial disputes with Cutiefly over fields of flowers. It also consumes sap from trees pierced by Heracross, as seen in the anime. Butterfree is found in temperate forests and jungles, but it has also been observed flying near the ocean as part of its migratory breeding pattern.

As Gigantamax Butterfree, its size increases to gigantic length with an altered look. The wings and its pattern changes to light and dark green color with white. The antennae change to bright green and extend to the point where the tip bends, and three red clouds surround it. The eyes change to a bright glowing red. A fur-like circle is attached to both the wings and back of Butterfree. Several green scales can be seen floating around Butterfree, which are its most effective weapons, capable of releasing paralysis, poisoning, or sleep. The scales were created from crystallized Gigantamax energy.

The massive wings are powerful enough to lift a ten-ton truck through a simple flap. The wind it generates can scatter poisonous scales throughout the area, making it dangerous to be near it.

In Pokémon Sword and Shield before DLC, Butterfree was the only known Pokémon capable of using the move Rage Powder. Gigantamax Butterfree is the only known Pokémon capable of using the G-Max Move G-Max Befuddle.

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

In Bye-Bye Butterfree, Ash's Butterfree fell in love with a pink Butterfree 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

In Bye-Bye Butterfree, multiple wild Butterfree, all under the ownership of Trainers who released them, engaged in a mating ceremony. Ash's Butterfree became one of these Butterfree.

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

In Poké Ball Peril, an Orange Archipelago variant of Butterfree living on Valencia Island appeared. 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.

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

In Weekend Warrior, Jeremy's Butterfree was used in the Appeals Round of the Silver Town Pokémon Contest.

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

In Butterfree and Me!, multiple Butterfree 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.

In I Choose You!, multiple Butterfree engaged in a mating ceremony that Ash's Butterfree took a part of, much like the events of Bye-Bye Butterfree.

Minor appearances

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

In The Path to the Pokémon League, A.J.'s Butterfree carried his bag into his Gym. It then trained with his Beedrill.

In Battle Aboard the St. Anne, multiple Butterfree were aboard the St. Anne.

In Pokémon Fashion Flash, a Butterfree was on Scissor Street.

A Butterfree appeared in The March of the Exeggutor Squad.

In Pikachu's Vacation, a Butterfree was at the Pokémon Theme Park.

In Pallet Party Panic, a Butterfree was at a party in Pallet Town.

In The Power of One, multiple Butterfree were seen in the opening sequence of the movie, while others sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.

In a flashback in Snack Attack, multiple Orange Archipelago Butterfree were 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.

In Slowking's Day, an Orange Archipelago Butterfree was living on Shamouti Island.

In The Rivalry Revival, three Butterfree were living at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in A Sappy Ending.

A Butterfree appeared in Once in a Blue Moon.

In For Crying Out Loud, multiple Butterfree played with Wilhomena's Marill.

In Tricks of the Trade, a Butterfree was at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona.

In Spell of the Unown: Entei, Lisa used a Butterfree during her battle against Ash, where it went up against his Bulbasaur. The match ended with Bulbasaur being dazed with Sleep Powder and finished off with a gust of wind.

In Mewtwo Returns, multiple Butterfree flew 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.

In Got Miltank?, a Butterfree was a resident at a Pokémon-exclusive oasis.

In A Tyrogue Full of Trouble, a Butterfree was followed by Misty's Togepi.

In Enlighten Up!, two Butterfree were residents of Lake Slowpoke.

In Fangs for Nothin', multiple Butterfree were 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.

In Hatch Me If You Can, multiple Butterfree appeared before Ash's Larvitar.

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!.

In Channeling the Battle Zone, Solidad used a Butterfree during the Kanto Grand Festival.

In Pinch Healing!, multiple Butterfree were residents of Fennel Valley.

In Riding the Winds of Change, a Butterfree was among the many Pokémon Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy used to blow a Gligar away from the city.

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

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

A Butterfree appeared in Camping It Up!.

In Battling the Generation Gap!, two Butterfree were part of Lila's famous "Tiger Lily Smile".

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

In Genesect and the Legend Awakened, multiple Butterfree were at Pokémon Hills.

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

In A Legendary Photo Op!, a Butterfree was at Mt. Molteau.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four wild Buttefree appeared in Alola, Kanto!.

Three wild Butterfree appeared in a fantasy in Tasting the Bitter with the Sweet!.

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!.

A student's Butterfree appeared in A High-Speed Awakening!.

In Battle Royal 151!, a Trainer's Butterfree competed in the Battle Royal preliminary round of the Manalo Conference but ended up losing.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in The Road to The Semifinals!.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Z-Move Showdown!.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in a flashback in Enter Pikachu!.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Legend? Go! Friends? Go!, with two of them appearing in a video hologram.

In Working My Way Back to Mew!, Goh caught a male Butterfree. He has since made further appearances in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

In Caring for a Mystery!, a Butterfree battled a wild Riolu after it attacked it.

Two Butterfree appeared in JN028.

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

In File 1: Red, a Butterfree was one of the Pokémon seen in Professor Oak's introduction.

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

In the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer

In the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer, a Trainer's Butterfree was in a town square in Pasio.

In Pokémon: Twilight Wings

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Buddy.

A Gigantamax Butterfree appeared as a visual in a flashback in Assistant.

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 evolved from his Metapod in Play Misty For Me during his Gym battle with Misty.

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 Pocket Monsters manga

Multiple Butterfree appeared in JNM01.

Goh caught a Butterfree in JNM03, just like he does in the anime.

A Butterfree appeared in JNM08.

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

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

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.

A Butterfree appeared in PS544.

A wild Butterfree appeared in the Wild Area in PASS04.

A Butterfree appeared in a flashback in PASS05.

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 anime novelization series

Windy's Butterfree appeared in Race to Danger.

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

A Butterfree appeared in Falkner The Bird Keeper's Challenge!!.

A Butterfree appeared in Let's Aim For The Goal!.

In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Shu and Pikachu's Debut!.

A Butterfree appeared in GDZ23.

A Butterfree appeared in GDZ48.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

A Butterfree appeared in Catch That Pokémon Thief!!.

A Butterfree appeared in Pikachu's Birthday Party.

Giovanni was revealed to own a Butterfree in Pokémon Hair Salon Opens!!, where he used it in a haircut salon that he built.

In the TCG

Main article: Butterfree (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros.

In the Saffron City stage, multiple Butterfree can be seen flying in the background.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Butterfree returns in the Saffron City stage.

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 Hoenn #— 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 Sinnoh #— 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 Unova #— 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 Hoenn #— 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

Generation VIII Galar #015 Sword In battle, it flaps its wings at great speed to release highly toxic dust into the air. Shield It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest. Gigantamax Butterfree Sword Crystallized Gigantamax energy makes up this Pokémon's blindingly bright and highly toxic scales. Shield Once it has opponents trapped in a tornado that could blow away a 10-ton truck, it finishes them off with its poisonous scales.

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

Generation VIII Sword Shield Slumbering Weald East Lake Axewell, Giant's Mirror, Rolling Fields (Visible encounter) Bridge Field, Dappled Grove, East Lake Axewell, Giant's Cap, Hammerlocke Hills, Rolling Fields, South Lake Miloch (Max Raid Battle) Rolling Fields (Max Raid Battle; Gigantamax Factor)

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

Generation VII Rumble Rush Tutorial, Charizard Sea2019, Butterfree Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Charizard SeaFinal

In events

Wild Area News

Games	Event	Gigantamax	Location	Level	Distribution period
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	hide	17, 30Sw, 40, 50, 60	November 15 to December 4, 2019
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	hide	30Sw, 40, 50, 70	November 15 to December 4, 2019
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	hide	17	December 4, 2019 to January 9, 2020
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	hide	17, 30, 40, 50, 60	December 4, 2019 to January 9, 2020
Sh	Wild Area News	Yes	hide	17, 50	June 1 to 29, 2020

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%)
Sword	Shield	Silver Powder (5%)

Stats

Base stats

Generations 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

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Gust Flying Special 04040 100100% 35 011 Harden Normal Status 0000— ——% 30 011 Tackle Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35 011 String Shot Bug Status 0000— 09595% 40 011 Bug Bite Bug Physical 06060 100100% 20 Evo.Evo. Gust Flying Special 04040 100100% 35 044 Supersonic Normal Status 0000— 05555% 20 088 Confusion Psychic Special 05050 100100% 25 1212 Poison Powder Poison Status 0000— 07575% 35 1212 Stun Spore Grass Status 0000— 07575% 30 1212 Sleep Powder Grass Status 0000— 07575% 15 1616 Psybeam Psychic Special 06565 100100% 20 2020 Whirlwind Normal Status 0000— ——% 20 2424 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 09595% 15 2828 Safeguard Normal Status 0000— ——% 25 3232 Bug Buzz Bug Special 09090 100100% 10 3636 Tailwind Flying Status 0000— ——% 15 4040 Rage Powder Bug Status 0000— ——% 20 4444 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/TR

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM08 TM08 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM09 TM09 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM11 TM11 Solar Beam Grass Special 120120 100}}100% 10 TM19 TM19 Safeguard Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 25 TM21 TM21 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM23 TM23 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM24 TM24 Snore Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 15 TM25 TM25 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM28 TM28 Giga Drain Grass Special 07575 100}}100% 10 TM31 TM31 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM33 TM33 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM34 TM34 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM39 TM39 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM40 TM40 Swift Normal Special 06060 —}}—% 20 TM56 TM56 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM74 TM74 Venoshock Poison Special 06565 100}}100% 10 TM76 TM76 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM78 TM78 Acrobatics Flying Physical 05555 100}}100% 15 TM82 TM82 Electroweb Electric Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM87 TM87 Draining Kiss Fairy Special 05050 100}}100% 10 TM95 TM95 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 095}}95% 15 TR11 TR11 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TR20 TR20 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TR26 TR26 Endure Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TR27 TR27 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TR29 TR29 Baton Pass Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 40 TR33 TR33 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TR40 TR40 Skill Swap Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TR46 TR46 Iron Defense Steel Status 0000— —}}—% 15 TR61 TR61 Bug Buzz Bug Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TR65 TR65 Energy Ball Grass Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TR89 TR89 Hurricane Flying Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TR96 TR96 Pollen Puff Bug Special 09090 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 breeding

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

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Sw Sh EP BD SP Dual Wingbeat Flying Physical 40 90% 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

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

Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon has no moves exclusive to prior Evolutions.

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 ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 2.08 seconds Base HP: 51 Base Attack: 74 Base Defense: 52 Base Speed: 60
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: Struggle Bug*, Confusion, Bug Bite† Charged Attacks: Bug Buzz, Psychic, Signal Beam

Evolution

Unevolved Caterpie  Bug

Level 7 →

First Evolution Metapod  Bug

Level 10 →

Second Evolution Butterfree  Bug  Flying

Forms

Gigantamax

Gigantamax Factor Butterfree Butterfree  Bug  Flying

Dynamax Band ↔

Lasts for three turns Gigantamax Butterfree 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 with an alternate color, pink in its case. 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 Trainers in the anime: 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. Also, both have an alternate form only available in-battle (Gigantamax Butterfree and Mega Beedrill, respectively).

Origin

Butterfree appears to be based on the black-veined white butterfly.

Gigantamax Butterfree may be inspired by the kaiju Mothra.

Name origin

Butterfree may be a combination of butterfly and free (referring to its ability to fly after being grounded for two evolutionary stages).

Its Japanese name may also involve パタパタ patapata (the sound of wings flapping) and 振る furu (to flap).

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. Possibly also パタパタ patapata and 振る furu 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 Beoteopeul Corruption of 버터플라이 beoteopeullai Mandarin Chinese 巴大蝶 Bādàdié 巴大蝴 Bādàhú * Partial transliteration of its Japanese name, and 蝴蝶 húdié Cantonese Chinese 巴大蝶 Bādaaihdihp 巴他蝶 Bātādihp * Partial transliteration of its Japanese name, and 蝴蝶 wùhdíp

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 Thai บัตเตอร์ฟรี Butterfree Transcription of trademarked Japanese name

Related articles

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

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

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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.