Butterfree (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
0011MS.png #0011: Metapod
Pokémon
#0013: Weedle 0013MS.png
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
#0012
Butterfree
Butterfree
Gigantamax 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
Body13.png
Footprint
F0012.png F000.png
Gigantamax Butterfree
Pokédex color
White
Base friendship
70
External Links

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 can Gigantamax into Gigantamax Butterfree if it has the Gigantamax Factor.

Biology

Butterfree is a lepidopteran insect Pokémon which 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 its 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. 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 fly and 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 shown in Pokémon Sleep, Butterfree is known to sleep while flapping its wings. It tends to accidentally scatter highly toxic dust while sleeping [1].

Forms

Butterfree has a Gigantamax Form.

As Gigantamax Butterfree, its wings become shades of bright and dark green with a white pattern on them. At the base of the wings are a fur-like circle, which attaches to Gigantamax Butterfree's back. Its antennae become bright green as well, and extend to the point where the tip bends, and three red clouds surround them. Its eyes glow bright red. Several green scales, created from crystallized Gigantamax energy, can be seen floating around Gigantamax Butterfree. These are its most effective weapons, capable of causing paralysis, poisoning, or sleep. Gigantamax Butterfree scatters these scales by the winds that it generates with each flap of its wings; these winds are powerful enough to lift a 10-ton truck.[2]

Gigantamax Butterfree is the only known Pokémon capable of using the G-Max Move G-Max Befuddle.

Gigantamax Butterfree
 

Evolution

Butterfree evolves from Metapod and is the final form of Caterpie.

 
Unevolved
Caterpie
 Bug 

 
First evolution
Metapod
 Bug 

 
Second evolution
Butterfree
 Bug  Flying 


In the anime

Main series

 
Butterfree in the anime
 
Female Pink 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. He evolved from Metapod in Challenge of the Samurai. Butterfree was also the first Pokémon that Ash let go, allowing him to mate with a pink Butterfree in Bye Bye Butterfree. He later reunited with Ash in This Could be the Start of Something Big!.

Butterfree also appeared in I Choose You!, which is set in a different continuity from the main series. He 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 her 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.

Goh's Butterfree

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

Other

Multiple wild Butterfree appeared in Bye Bye Butterfree, all under the ownership of Trainers who released them so they could engage 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.

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

Minor appearances

Butterfree debuted in a fantasy that Ash's Caterpie had 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 Butterfree 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 an 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 Butterfree 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 Caring for a Mystery!, a Butterfree battled a wild Riolu after it attacked it.

Two Butterfree appeared in Sobbing Sobble!.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Getting More Than You Battled For!, with one of them living at Cero Island.

In A Pinch of This, a Pinch of That!, six Butterfree were in the Wild Area.

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

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

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Helping the Hometown Hero!.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Battling as Hard as Stone!.

Multiple Butterfree were seen evolving from Metapod in Heroes Unite!.

Three Butterfree appeared in This Could be the Start of Something Big!.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Distant Blue Sky!.

Three Butterfree appeared in The Road Most Traveled!.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in The Pendant That Starts It All: Part One.

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.

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.

Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer

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

Pokémon: Twilight Wings

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in Buddy.

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

GOTCHA!

A Butterfree briefly appeared in GOTCHA!.

POKÉTOON

A Butterfree appeared in Blossom's Dream.

A Butterfree appeared in Wait for Me, Magikarp!.

Pokémon Evolutions

In The Show, a Butterfree was used to provide special effects for the Kimono Girls' performance.

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

In the manga

 
Butterfree in Pokémon Adventures
 
Gigantamax Butterfree in Pokémon Adventures

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

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.

How I Became a Pokémon Card

Midori owns a Butterfree that was first in PW10.

Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon

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

Pokémon Adventures

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 Dream World.

A wild Butterfree appeared in the Wild Area in Zap!! A Rising Beam of Light.

A Butterfree appeared in a flashback in Ooh Shiny!! Legendary Equipment.

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.

A Gigantamaxed Butterfree appeared in PASS40, being one of many Pokémon to suddenly Gigantamax.

Pokémon anime novelization series

Windy's Butterfree appeared in Race to Danger.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

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

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

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

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

A Butterfree appeared in GDZ23.

A Butterfree appeared in GDZ48.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Main article: Goh's Butterfree

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Legend? Check! Friends? Check!.

Goh caught a Butterfree in Battle Frontier Challenge: The Flute Cup!, just like he does in the anime.

A Butterfree appeared in Caring for a Mystery!.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

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

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto
#012
Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
Green
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
Sinnoh
#—
Hisui
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus.
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.
Brilliant Diamond It loves the nectar of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
Shining Pearl
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.
Generation IX Paldea
#—
Kitakami
#—
Blueberry
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation IX.


 
Butterfree in the Alolan Pokédex

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
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)
Expansion Pass
Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure) (Gigantamax Factor)
Brilliant Diamond
Evolve Metapod
Shining Pearl
Trade
Legends: Arceus
Unobtainable
Generation IX
Scarlet Violet
Unobtainable


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
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
Generation VIII
MD DX
Pitfall Valley (4F-9F)
Fainted Pokémon: Remains Island
Strong Foe: Howling Forest (6F-15F) 
Generation IX
Sleep
Greengrass Isle (from Ultra 5)
Cross-Generation
Shuffle
Event: A Great Chance a Day!


In events

Wild Area News
Games Event Gigantamax Location Level Distribution period
SwSh Wild Area News No hide 17, 40, 50, 60SwSh
30Sw
November 15 to December 4, 2019
SwSh Wild Area News Yes hide 17, 40, 50, 60SwSh
30Sw
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
SwSh Wild Area News No hide 17 December 20 to 25, 2019
SwSh Wild Area News Yes hide 17, 30, 40, 50, 60 December 20 to 25, 2019
SwSh Wild Area News Yes hide 17, 30, 40, 50, 60 December 31, 2019 to January 3, 2020
Sh Wild Area News Yes hide 17, 50 June 2 to 29, 2020
Sh Wild Area News Yes hide 50 June 17 to 28, 2020
SwSh Wild Area News Yes hide 17, 30, 40, 50, 60 November 2 to 30, 2020
SwSh Wild Area News Yes hide 60 November 1, 2022, to End-of-life

Held items

Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear. In Pokémon Emerald, Butterfree can only be found in the Battle Frontier.

Games Held items
Red Blue
Yellow
Gold Silver
Crystal
Emerald
HeartGold SoulSilver
Black White
Black 2 White 2
X Y
Sun Moon
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Sword Shield

Stats

Base stats

Generations I-V
Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
60
120 - 167 230 - 324
45
45 - 106 85 - 207
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
80
76 - 145 148 - 284
80
76 - 145 148 - 284
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
60
120 - 167 230 - 324
45
45 - 106 85 - 207
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
90
85 - 156 166 - 306
80
76 - 145 148 - 284
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
Fighting ¼×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting ¼×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting ¼×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting ¼×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Notes:

Learnset

Butterfree 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 Gust Flying Special 04040 100100% 35
011 Harden Normal Status 0000 00——% 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 00——% 20
2424 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 09595% 15
2828 Safeguard Normal Status 0000 00——% 25
3232 Bug Buzz Bug Special 09090 100100% 10
3636 Tailwind Flying Status 0000 00——% 15
4040 Rage Powder Bug Status 0000 00——% 20
4444 Quiver Dance Bug Status 0000 00——% 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

SwSh

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 00—}}—% 25
TM21 TM21 Rest Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 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 00—}}—% 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 00—}}—% 5
TM34 TM34 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM39 TM39 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM40 TM40 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 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 00—}}—% 10
TR26 TR26 Endure Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TR27 TR27 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TR29 TR29 Baton Pass Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 40
TR33 TR33 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15
TR40 TR40 Skill Swap Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TR46 TR46 Iron Defense Steel Status 0000 00—}}—% 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

BDSP

Generation VIII
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
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 Giga Drain Grass Special 07575 100}}100% 10
TM20 TM20 Safeguard Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 25
TM22 TM22 Solar Beam Grass Special 120120 100}}100% 10
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 Skill Swap Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM51 TM51 Roost Flying Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM53 TM53 Energy Ball Grass Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM58 TM58 Endure Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM62 TM62 Bug Buzz Bug Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM68 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5
TM70 TM70 Flash Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
TM77 TM77 Psych Up Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM82 TM82 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM85 TM85 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15
TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000 085}}85% 15
TM89 TM89 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM97 TM97 Defog Flying Status 0000 —}}—% 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

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 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 00—}}—% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Air Cutter Flying Special 06060 095}}95% 25
I II III IV V VI VII Bide × Normal Physical 0000 00—}}—% 10
I II III IV V VI VII Captivate × Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Confide Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Curse Ghost Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
I II III IV V VI VII Defog Flying Status 0000 00—}}—% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Double Team Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100}}100% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Flash × Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Frustration × Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Headbutt Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Hidden Power × Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Infestation Bug Special 02020 100}}100% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Mega Drain Grass Special 04040 100}}100% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Mimic Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
I II III IV V VI VII Morning Sun Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
I II III IV V VI VII Natural Gift × Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Nightmare × Ghost Status 0000 100}}100% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Ominous Wind × Ghost Special 06060 100}}100% 5
I II III IV V VI VII Psych Up Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
I II III IV V VI VII Psywave × Psychic Special 0000 100}}100% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Rage × Normal Physical 02020 100}}100% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Razor Wind × Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10
I II III IV V VI VII Reflect Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Return × Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Roost Flying Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
I II III IV V VI VII Secret Power × Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Signal Beam × Bug Special 07575 100}}100% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Silver Wind × Bug Special 06060 100}}100% 5
I II III IV V VI VII Struggle Bug Bug Special 05050 100}}100% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Swagger Normal Status 0000 085}}85% 15
I II III IV V VI VII Sweet Scent Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Teleport Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
I II III IV V VI VII Toxic Poison Status 0000 090}}90% 10
I II III IV V VI VII Twister Dragon Special 04040 100}}100% 20
  • 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 Butterfree
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Butterfree
  • × 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
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 Super Mystery Dungeon
 

Body size: Standard (1 tile)
How to Recruit: Introduced by Tranquill
Connected to: Tranquill
Connection Orb Set: 5

Phrases
Normal My scales repel water, and that's how I can fly even in rain!
Low HP (< 50%) I'm about to faint…
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


Costumes in Pokémon GO
 
Fashionable costume

Form data

Gigantamax

 
Gigantamax Factor
 
Butterfree
Butterfree
 Bug  Flying 

 
Dynamax Band


Lasts for three turns
 
Gigantamax Butterfree
Butterfree
 Bug  Flying 

Evolution data

 
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
Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation IX.
Cross-Generation
HOME
   
   
   
  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 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. Both also have an alternate form only available in-battle (Gigantamax Butterfree and Mega Beedrill, respectively).

Origin

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

Name origin

Butterfree may be a combination of butterfly and free. It 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 butterfly, free, 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
  Italian Butterfree Same as English/Japanese name
  Korean 버터플 Butterfle From butterfly
  Mandarin Chinese 巴大蝶 Bādàdié
巴大蝴 Bādàhú *
From the partial transcription of its Japanese name and 蝴蝶 húdié
  Cantonese Chinese 巴大蝶 Bādaaihdihp*
巴他蝶 Bātādihp*
From the partial transcription of its Japanese name and 蝴蝶 wùhdíp


Related articles

References

External links

  #0011: Metapod
Pokémon
#0013: Weedle  


  This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.