Caterpie (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
0009MS.png #0009: Blastoise
Pokémon
#0011: Metapod 0011MS.png
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Caterpie (disambiguation).
Caterpie
Worm Pokémon
キャタピー
Caterpie
#0010
Caterpie



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Bug Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Abilities
Shield Dust Cacophony
Cacophony
Run Away
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Unknown
50% male, 50% female
Catch rate
255 (43.9%)
Breeding
Egg Group
Bug
Hatch time
15 cycles
Height
1'00" 0.3 m
Caterpie
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
6.4 lbs. 2.9 kg
Caterpie
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
53
Gen. I-IV
Unknown
IV
39
V
Leveling rate
Medium Fast
EV yield
Total: 1
Caterpie
1
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
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
Shape
Body14.png
Footprint
F0010.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Green
Base friendship
70
External Links

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

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

Biology

Caterpie emitting a terrible stench

Caterpie is an insect Pokémon that resembles a green caterpillar with a yellow underside and teardrop-shaped tail. Yellow ring-shaped markings down the sides of its segmented body resemble its eyes and are meant to scare off predators. Its most notable characteristic is the bright red antenna (osmeterium) on its head, which releases a stench to repel predators. Despite these features and its camouflage in green foliage, Caterpie is often preyed upon by Flying-type Pokémon. Its four tiny feet are tipped with suction cups, permitting this Pokémon to scale most surfaces with minimal effort.

Caterpie is easy to capture and grows quickly, making it ideal for new Trainers. As Caterpie grow and develop over time, they will shed their skin many times before finally cocooning themselves in thick silk. It can also spit this silk to entangle foes as seen in the Pokémon the Series episode Ash Catches a Pokémon. It has a voracious appetite, driving it to eat a hundred leaves daily. It will even eat leaves bigger than itself. According to the 54th chapter of Pokémon Adventures, its favorite food is the Vermilion flower. Caterpie lives in temperate forests and jungles. As shown in Pokémon Sleep, Caterpie is known to sleep occasionally while using String Shot. On occasion, it drools out strings instead of saliva[1].

Evolution

Caterpie evolves into Metapod, which evolves into Butterfree.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's Evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

0010Caterpie.png
Unevolved
Caterpie
 Bug 

0011Metapod.png
First Evolution
Metapod
 Bug 

0012Butterfree.png
Second Evolution
Butterfree
 Bug  Flying 

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

Generation I Kanto
#010
Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
Green
Red(ENG) 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 Johto
#024
Gold For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antenna 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 antenna on its head to drive away enemies. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted)
Its feet have suction cups designed to stick to any surface. It tenaciously climbs trees to forage. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)
Generation III Hoenn
#—
Kanto
#010
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
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 Sinnoh
#—
Johto
#024
Diamond It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.
Pearl
Platinum
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 Unova
#—
Black It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.
White
Black 2 It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos
Central #023
Hoenn
#—
X For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies.
Y Its feet have suction cups designed to stick to any surface. It tenaciously climbs trees to forage.
Omega 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.
Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII Alola
#017
Kanto
#010
Sun When attacked by bird Pokémon, it resists by releasing a terrifically strong odor from its antennae, but it often becomes their prey.
Moon It's easy to catch, and it grows quickly, making it one of the top recommendations for novice Pokémon Trainers.
Ultra Sun Perhaps because it would like to grow up quickly, it has a voracious appetite, eating a hundred leaves a day.
Ultra Moon Its body is soft and weak. In nature, its perpetual fate is to be seen by others as food.
Let's Go Pikachu If you touch the feeler on top of its head, it will release a horrible stink to protect itself.
Let's Go Eevee
Generation VIII Galar
#013
Sinnoh
#—
Hisui
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus.
Sword For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antenna on its head to drive away enemies.
Shield Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.
Brilliant Diamond It releases a stench from its red antennae to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.
Shining Pearl
Generation IX Paldea
#—
Kitakami
#—
Blueberry
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation IX.


Pokédex Image Caterpie SM.png
Caterpie's Image in the Alolan Pokédex

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

Generation I
Red
Route 25, Viridian Forest
Blue
Routes 2, 24, and 25, Viridian Forest
Blue (Japan)
Routes 2, 24, and 25, Viridian Forest
Yellow
Viridian Forest
Generation II
Gold
Routes 2, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest and National ParkMorningDay
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, 25, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest and National ParkMorningDay
National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa
Ilex Forest (Headbutt trees)
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Trade
Emerald
Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
Routes 2, 24, and 25, Viridian Forest, Pattern Bush
Colosseum
Trade
XD
Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Route 204 (FireRed)
Platinum
Route 204, Eterna Forest (FireRed)
HeartGold
Routes 2, 30, and 31, Ilex Forest, National Park, Viridian ForestMorningDay
National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa
Ilex Forest (Headbutt trees)
SoulSilver
National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)TuThSa
Pal Park
Forest
Generation V
Black
Trade
White
Breed Metapod or Butterfree
Black 2
Trade
White 2
Breed Butterfree
Generation VI
X
Santalune Forest
Y
Route 2, Santalune Forest
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Trade
Generation VII
Sun Moon
Routes 1 and 5, Lush Jungle, Melemele Meadow
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Routes 1 and 5, Melemele Meadow
Lush Jungle (SOS Battle)
Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee
Route 2, Viridian Forest
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
Route 1
Bridge Field, Dappled Grove, Rolling Fields, South Lake Miloch (Max Raid Battle)
Brilliant Diamond
Grand Underground - Spacious Cave, Grassland Cave, Swampy Cave, Riverbank Cave Still-Water Cavern, Sunlit Cavern, Bogsunk Cavern (After obtaining the National Pokédex)
Shining Pearl
Trade
Legends: Arceus
Unobtainable
Generation IX
Scarlet Violet
Unobtainable


In side games

Generation I
Pinball
Red and Blue Field: Viridian Forest, Cerulean City
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Channel
Forest
Trozei!
Phobos Train, Endless level 9, Trozei Battle, Mr. Who's Den
MD Red MD Blue
Wish Cave (B2F-B4F)
Generation IV
MD Time MD Darkness
Apple Woods (1F-4F), Oran Forest (1F-4F)
MD Sky
Apple Woods (1F-4F), Oran Forest (1F-4F)
Rumble
Silent Forest (Normal Mode C)
PokéPark Wii
Meadow Zone
Generation V
Rumble Blast
Treetops: Sun-Dappled Bank
PokéPark 2
Arbor Area
Rumble U
Vehicle Gallery: Slithering Trains, Chill Battle: The Forest of Memories
Generation VI
Battle Trozei
Safari Jungle: Stage 2Su
Rumble World
Fairy Land: Pixie Glen (All Areas), Origin Hideaway: Old-Growth Woods (All Areas)
Generation VII
Rumble Rush
Tutorial, Charizard Sea2019, Pinsir Sea, Butterfree Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Charizard SeaFinal
Generation VIII
MD DX
Purity Forest (2F-4F)
Fainted Pokémon: Howling Forest, Buried Relic, Wyvern Hill, Waterfall Pond
New Snap
Florio Nature ParkNight, Secret Side PathNight
Generation IX
Sleep
Greengrass Isle (from Basic 1)
Cyan Beach (from Basic 1)
Old Gold Power Plant (from Basic 1)
Cross-Generation
Shuffle
Event: Pokémon Safari (20th release)


Held items

Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.

Games Held items
Red Blue
Berry Berry (100%)
Yellow

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
45
105 - 152 200 - 294
30
31 - 90 58 - 174
35
36 - 95 67 - 185
20
22 - 79 40 - 152
20
22 - 79 40 - 152
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 IX, 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
Fairy
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground ½×
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground ½×
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground ½×
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Notes:

Learnset

Caterpie is available in Sword and Shield and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

By leveling up

Generation VIII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Tackle Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35
011 String Shot Bug Status 0000 09595% 40
099 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/TR

SwSh

Generation VIII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
TM82
Bag TM Electric SwSh Sprite.png
TM82 Electroweb Electric Special 05555 095}}95% 15
  • 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

BDSP

Generation VIII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - 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 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 Caterpie 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 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 VIII
Other generations:
II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
 Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
  • 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

By transfer from another generation

Generation VIII
Other generations:
I - II - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
 Gen.   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
I II III IV V VI VII Snore Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 15
  • Transferred Pokémon only retain these moves in Pokémon Sword and Shield
  • A striped background indicates a generation in which the move can only be obtained via event or as a special move
  • 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
  • × indicates a move that cannot be used in Sword and Shield
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see transfer-only moves for other generations

TCG-only moves

Move Card
Headbutt Caterpie (Expedition 96)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
Pin010.png Pinani010.png
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Trozei!
Trozeiani010.png
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!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky
MDP E 010.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 8.2%
IQ group: A
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
MDP 3DS 010.png

Body size: Standard (1 tile)
How to Recruit: Talk to in Serene Village
Connected to: Rattata, Igglybuff, Wooper
Connection Orb Set: 3

Phrases
Normal Tree leaves are the yummiest, aren't they?
Low HP (< 50%) This is…not easy…
Pokémon Rumble
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Blast
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush
Rush010Body.png Walking Speed: 2.92 seconds Base HP: 46
Base Attack: 59 Base Defense: 40 Base Speed: 60
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
PPW010.png 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
PP2010.png Strong: Tepig icon.png Weak: Snivy icon.png
PokéPark Pad entry:
Their steps are slow, but they are quite aggressive and hate to lose. They are second to none in spirit.
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Bug
Attack Power: ★★★★

BT010.png

Pokémon Shuffle
None Shuffle.png
Bug
None Shuffle.png Attack Power: 30 - 85 Raise Max Level.png 5

#747
Shuffle010.png

Flash Mob
Increases damage when there are more Pokémon with the same type in the puzzle area.


Pokémon GO
GO010.png Base HP: 128 Base Attack: 55 Base Defense: 55
Egg Distance: N/A* Buddy Distance: 1 km Evolution Requirement: Caterpie Candy 12
Fast Attacks: Bug Bite, Tackle
Charged Attacks: Struggle, FrustrationAs Shadow Pokémon, ReturnAs Purified Pokémon
New Pokémon Snap
NPS010.png
Photodex entry #011
This eager eater consumes leaf after leaf while hiding in tall grass. When Caterpie senses danger, it exudes a horrible odor from the antenna on its head to protect itself.
Pokémon Sleep
Sleep Menu 0010.png Sleep type: Dozing Pokémon type: Bug Points to befriend: 5
Specialty: Berries Berry:
Sleep Lum Berry.pngLum Berry ×2
Primary ingredient:
Sleep Honey.pngHoney ×1
Possible ingredients:
Sleep Honey.pngHoney Sleep Snoozy Tomato.pngSnoozy Tomato Sleep Greengrass Soybeans.pngGreengrass Soybeans
Main skill: Ingredient Magnet S Base carry limit: 11
Gets you 6 ingredients chosen at random.
Evolution requirements:
Sleep Caterpie Candy.pngCaterpie Candy ×40, Lv. 5
On very rare occasions, Caterpie looks as though it has fallen asleep in the middle of using String Shot. It appears that it drools string instead of saliva while it sleeps.
Sleep Style 0010-1.png Sleep Style 0010-2.png Sleep Style 0010-3.png Sleep Style 0010-4.png
Sprawled Sleep Droopy-Headed Sleep String-Shot Sleep Atop-Belly Sleep
★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★

Evolution data

0010Caterpie.png
Unevolved
Caterpie
 Bug 
Rare Candy
Level 7
0011Metapod.png
First Evolution
Metapod
 Bug 
Rare Candy
Level 10
0012Butterfree.png
Second Evolution
Butterfree
 Bug  Flying 


Sprites

Generation I
Red Green Red Blue Yellow
Spr 1g 010.png Spr b g1 010.png Spr 1b 010.png Spr b g1 010.png Spr 1y 010.png Spr b g1 010.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation II
Gold Silver Crystal
Spr 2g 010.png Spr b 2g 010.png Spr 2s 010.png Spr b 2s 010.png Spr 2c 010.png Spr b 2c 010.png
Spr 2g 010 s.png Spr b 2g 010 s.png Spr 2s 010 s.png Spr b 2s 010 s.png Spr 2c 010 s.png Spr b 2c 010 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen
Spr 3r 010.png Spr b 3r 010.png Spr 3e 010.png Spr b 3e 010.png Spr 3f 010.png Spr b 3f 010.png
Spr 3r 010 s.png Spr b 3r 010 s.png Spr 3e 010 s.png Spr b 3e 010 s.png Spr 3f 010 s.png Spr b 3f 010 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
Spr 4d 010.png Spr b 4d 010.png Spr 4p 010.png Spr b 4p 010.png Spr 4h 010.png Spr b 4h 010.png
Spr 4d 010 s.png Spr b 4d 010 s.png Spr 4p 010 s.png Spr b 4p 010 s.png Spr 4h 010 s.png Spr b 4h 010 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
Spr 5b 010.png Spr b 5b 010.png Spr 5b2 010.png Spr b 5b2 010.png
Spr 5b 010 s.png Spr b 5b 010 s.png Spr 5b2 010 s.png Spr b 5b2 010 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Generation VI
X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Spr 6x 010.png
Spr b 6x 010.png
Spr 6o 010.png
Spr b 6o 010.png
Spr 6x 010 s.png
Spr b 6x 010 s.png
Spr 6o 010 s.png
Spr b 6o 010 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Generation VII
Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Spr 7s 010.png
Spr b 7s 010.png
Spr 7s 010.png
Spr b 7s 010.png
Spr 7s 010 s.png
Spr b 7s 010 s.png
Spr 7s 010 s.png
Spr b 7s 010 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!
Spr 7p 010.png
Spr 7p 010 s.png
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
Spr 8s 010.png
Spr 8s 010 s.png
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation IX.
Cross-Generation
HOME
HOME0010.png HOME0010 s.png
010MS.png For other sprites and images, please see Caterpie images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


In animation

Main series

Major appearances

Ash's Caterpie

Caterpie debuted in Pokémon Emergency!, where Ash encountered him in Viridian Forest. He caught him in Ash Catches a Pokémon, making Caterpie the first Pokémon he caught in the wild. He evolved into Metapod in the same episode after a battle with Team Rocket, and then into Butterfree during the following episode.

Caterpie also appeared in I Choose You!, which is set in a different continuity from Pokémon the Series. It evolved into Metapod during a battle against a Pinsir and later into Butterfree after a battle against a group of Primeape.

Goh's Caterpie

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

Other

A Caterpie appeared in The Dunsparce Deception, under the ownership of Bucky. He used it to compete in a race with Dunsparce, but it ultimately lost due to its slow speed.

A Caterpie appeared in Caterpie's Big Dilemma, under the ownership of Zander. It ate some of Dr. Gordon's enhanced Rare Candies and turned giant as a result. It eventually evolved into a Mothra-sized Butterfree.

A Caterpie appeared in Butterfree and Me! as a resident of Wayfarer Island. Ash befriended it after realizing it had yet to evolve, which reminded Ash of his own Caterpie. As a result, he helped Caterpie evolve into Metapod and then into Butterfree.

Minor appearances

In Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village, Melanie cared for a Caterpie. It reappeared in a flashback in Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!.

A Trainer's Caterpie appeared in Electric Shock Showdown.

In Battle Aboard the St. Anne, a Caterpie was aboard the St. Anne.

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

A Caterpie appeared in a fantasy in Dig Those Diglett!.

In The Ultimate Test, an image of Caterpie was used in the exams.

A Caterpie appeared in The Breeding Center Secret.

A Caterpie appeared in Clefairy Tales.

A Trainer's Caterpie appeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back.

In In the Pink, pink Caterpie was a resident of Pinkan Island.

In Tracey Gets Bugged, multiple Caterpie were residents of Murcott Island.

Two Caterpie appeared in a flashback in Wherefore Art Thou, Pokémon?, one each under the ownership of Ralph and Emily.

A wild Caterpie appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

In Illusion Confusion!, a Caterpie was one of the illusions created by a group of Haunter and Gengar.

In For Crying Out Loud, multiple Caterpie were accidentally splashed by Wilhomena's Marill.

In Gettin' The Bugs Out, multiple Caterpie resided in the Azalea Gym. One Caterpie scared Misty by coming down the trees. Later on, they assisted in apprehending Team Rocket with silk.

In The Bug Stops Here, a Caterpie was chased away by Misty after she found it talking with Togepi.

In Carrying On!, a Caterpie was in Way Away Island's Pokémon Center.

A Caterpie appeared in Jessie's fantasy in Wings 'N' Things.

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

In Got Miltank?, a Caterpie was a resident in a Pokémon-exclusive oasis.

In For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!, multiple Caterpie were protecting the Tin Tower after Team Rocket stole the Crystal Bells on the top floor.

In Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution, a Caterpie fell sick due to Team Rocket's experiments.

A Caterpie appeared in Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias.

A Caterpie appeared in Camp Pikachu.

In Gonna Rule The School!, the Pokémon Trainers' School lent a Caterpie to the school's underage students for use in lessons.

A Caterpie appeared in Destiny Deoxys.

A Caterpie appeared in Hi Ho Silver Wind!, under the ownership of a Coordinator.

A Caterpie appeared in The Green Guardian.

A Coordinator‘s Caterpie appeared in What I Did for Love!.

In Some Enchanted Sweetening!, two Caterpie were lured in by the Honey that Cheryl had slathered onto a tree. Additional Caterpie also appeared in a boss fantasy in the same episode, but said boss fantasy was cut from the dub due to it containing suggestive material.

A Caterpie appeared in The Grass-Type Is Always Greener!.

Two Caterpie appeared in An Angry Combeenation!.

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

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

Multiple Caterpie appeared in Coming Full-Festival Circle!.

A Caterpie appeared in Genesect and the Legend Awakened as a resident of Pokémon Hills.

A Caterpie appeared in Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!.

In Lumiose City Pursuit!, Mega-Mega Meowth Madness!, Day Three Blockbusters!, and Battling With a Clean Slate!, a Caterpie was a resident of Professor Sycamore's lab.

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

In Lillie's Egg-xhilarating Challenge!, two Caterpie were playing in Lillie's garden. One of them reappeared in The Ol' Raise and Switch!.

A Caterpie appeared in a fantasy in Lulled to La-La Land!.

Multiple wild Caterpie appeared in Alola, Kanto!.

A Trainer's Caterpie appeared in Now You See Them, Now You Don't!.

A Caterpie appeared in Tasting the Bitter with the Sweet!.

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

Four Caterpie appeared in Securing the Future!, with three under the ownership of different Trainers and the fourth being wild. They joined the rest of Alola in showering Necrozma with light so it could return to its true form.

In The Battlefield of Truth and Love!, a Caterpie watched Bewear and Stufful put on a performance in their hot springs.

A Trainer's Caterpie appeared in Exhibition Unmasked!.

In From Z to Shining Z!, a Trainer's Caterpie watched the battle between Ash's Pikachu and Tapu Koko.

Two Caterpie appeared in a flashback in Enter Pikachu!, with one of them being caught by a female Trainer.

Three Caterpie appeared in a video hologram in Legend? Go! Friends? Go!.

In A Snow Day for Searching!, Goh's Butterfree encountered a Caterpie while it was out looking for Cubone's bone.

A Trainer's Caterpie appeared in Caring for a Mystery!.

A Trainer's Caterpie appeared in A Festival Reunion!.

A Caterpie appeared in Trade, Borrow, and Steal!.

A Trainer's Caterpie appeared in That New Old Gang of Mine!.

A Caterpie appeared in Secrets of the Jungle.

In Not Too Close for Comfort!, a Caterpie was seen in a video, evolving all the way into Butterfree.

A Trainer's Caterpie appeared in Take My Thief! Please!.

Two Caterpie appeared in Infinite Possibilities!.

In Heroes Unite!, a Caterpie appeared during a flashback.

A Caterpie appeared in Distant Blue Sky!.

In Must Be Our Heroes and the Witch!, a Caterpie appeared in a fantasy.

A Caterpie appeared in The Same Moon, Now and Forever!.

A Caterpie appeared in The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!.

Two Caterpie appeared in The Treasure After the Storm!. They reappeared in Found You, Fuecoco!, where they helped repair the damage to the Brave Olivine. One of them reappeared during a flashback in HZ062.

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.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
BW130 Caterpie Ash's Pokédex Caterpie, the Worm Pokémon. To repel enemies, Caterpie releases an unpleasant odor from its red antenna. It molts several times while growing.

Pokémon Origins

Caterpie in Pokémon Origins

In File 1: Red, a Caterpie was seen in Professor Oak's introduction, while Red caught another, which was registered in his Pokédex. It evolved into Metapod before his Gym battle with Brock.

In File 3: Giovanni, two Caterpie were seen caged in the Rocket Hideout and Silph Co., respectively.

Pokémon Generations

In The Adventure, Pikachu encountered and battled a Caterpie in Viridian Forest.

Pokémon Evolutions

In The Show, a Caterpie briefly appeared under the ownership of a Trainer in Ecruteak City.

In The Discovery, a Caterpie appeared in a fantasy of a forest of the Kanto region.

POKÉTOON

A Caterpie appeared in PT12.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Major appearances

Kitty

A Caterpie appeared in As Gastly as Before. 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 Route 9, where she and Blue were training. 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. As a result, Kitty evolved into Metapod and then into Butterfree right afterwards.

Minor appearances

Caterpie debuted in 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.

A Caterpie appeared as a silhouette when Green talks about Mew in The Jynx Jinx.

A Caterpie was mentioned as one of the Pokémon Crystal had caught for Professor Oak in Three Cheers for Chikorita.

A Caterpie was one of the Pokémon Crystal fails to catch in Absolutely Azumarill.

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

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.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

A Caterpie appeared in Catch That Pokémon Thief!!.

A Caterpie appeared in The Legendary Pokémon Appears!!.

A Caterpie appeared in Regain the Deserted Power Plant!.

A Caterpie appeared in Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Baseball Tournament!, where it was one of the Pokémon that took part in a baseball match. It was seen with Green during the game.

A Caterpie appeared in Pikachu's Birthday Party.

A Caterpie appeared in Demanding Tests at the Pokémon School!.

A Caterpie appeared in The Hardest Bug Pokémon Wins?!.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Main article: Ash's Caterpie

Ash's Caterpie is the second wild Pokémon that Ash catches, being caught in Pikachu, I See You!. It evolves twice in Play Misty For Me—first into Metapod while Ash is showing it off 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.

Magical Pokémon Journey

A Caterpie appeared in Tangela's Secret.

Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!

Shu caught a Caterpie in Shu and Pikachu's Debut!. He uses it in various creative ways, mostly involving strange uses of its String Shot.

A Caterpie appeared in GDZ23.

A Caterpie appeared in GDZ48.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team

Main article: Caterpie (Red and Blue Rescue Team)

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team, Ginji saved a Caterpie from an attacking Ariados.

Pokémon Journeys

Goh caught a Caterpie in Battle Frontier Challenge: The Flute Cup!, just like he does in the animated series.

In the TCG

Main article: Caterpie (TCG)

Trivia

Caterpie's miscolored mouth in Pokémon Emergency!

Origin

Caterpie is based on a caterpillar,[3] perhaps specifically the Asian swallowtail, eastern tiger swallowtail, or spicebush swallowtail due to its green body, yellow eyespots, and red osmeterium. The tip of its tail resembles the horn that many species of hawk moth larvae have on their rear ends.

Name origin

Caterpie may be a corruption, or shortening, of caterpillar.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
Japan Flag.png Japanese キャタピー Caterpie From キャタピラー kyatapirā
France Flag.png French Chenipan From chenille and chenapan
Spain Flag.png Spanish Caterpie Same as English/Japanese name
Germany Flag.png German Raupy From Raupe
Italy Flag.png Italian Caterpie Same as English/Japanese name
South Korea Flag.png Korean 캐터피 Caterpie Transcription of Japanese name
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 綠毛蟲 / 绿毛虫 Lǜmáochóng From 綠 / 绿 and 毛毛蟲 / 毛毛虫 máomáochóng
Hong Kong Flag.png Cantonese Chinese 綠毛蟲 Luhkmòuhchùhng From luhk and 毛毛蟲 mòuhmòuhchùhng


Related articles

References

  1. Sleep Style Dex
  2. Caterpie's Big Dilemma and Butterfree and Me!
  3. Nintendo Dream Volume 84, February/March 2003 (English translation written by Jacob Newcomb and commissioned by Dr. Lava)

External links

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Pokémon
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