butterfree #12
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
butterfree
Generation I · #0012 — Butterfly Pokémon
Butterfree, the Butterfly Pokémon and National Pokédex entry #012, is a dual-type Bug/Flying Pokémon introduced in Generation I that represents the final evolved form of Caterpie. Standing at 1.1 meters tall and weighing 32.0 kilograms, Butterfree embodies the graceful transformation from a humble caterpillar into an elegant winged insect. With a base stat total of 395, Butterfree specializes in special attack with a notable base stat of 90, complemented by a respectable special defense of 80 and decent speed of 70, making it a competent special attacker in early-game scenarios. The species demonstrates a balanced approach to combat with its Bug and Flying typing, granting it unique advantages and resistances that have made it a staple of early Pokémon adventures since its inception.
Base Stats
Height
1.1m
Weight
32.0kg
Category
Butterfly Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
white
Shape
bug-wings
Habitat
forest
Abilities
Increases moves' accuracy to 1.3×.
Doubles damage inflicted with not-very-effective moves.
Butterfree Biology & Physical Characteristics
Butterfree is a lepidopteran Pokémon that displays characteristics of both insects and anthropomorphic creatures, featuring a distinctly purple body that contrasts beautifully with its light blue wings and legs. Unlike many real insects, Butterfree possesses only two discernible body segments alongside four light blue legs, with the upper pair resembling small, delicate appendages. The wings themselves are covered in specialized powder that serves multiple crucial functions—notably water-repellent dust that allows Butterfree to fly through even the heaviest rainfall without impediment, and toxic powder that becomes a formidable weapon during combat. According to Pokédex entries, its wings are particularly notable for their structure and protective coating; the Ruby and Sapphire entries emphasize that Butterfree possesses a superior ability to search for delicious honey from flowers, capable of detecting and extracting honey from blooms that bloom over six miles from its nest. This remarkable sensory capability reflects an intricate biology adapted specifically for its ecological role as a pollinator and honey gatherer.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Butterfree Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Butterfree exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio with exactly 50% of the species being male and 50% female, allowing trainers equal opportunities to breed either gender without artificial selection. As a member of the Bug egg group, Butterfree can breed with other Bug-type Pokémon and compatible species, producing Caterpie eggs that hatch after 15 cycles—roughly 3,599 to 3,855 steps of travel in the overworld. This breeding mechanic has made Butterfree a reliable choice for trainers seeking to obtain multiple members of its evolutionary line without relying solely on wild encounters. The species' base happiness value of 70 indicates it forms reasonably strong bonds with trainers, which can be further increased through careful treatment and experience. Female Butterfree are visually indistinguishable from their male counterparts in most Pokémon games, though the species' biological ability to produce eggs makes breeding crucial for expanding one's collection of Bug-type Pokémon during playthroughs.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
silver-powder
type-enhancement
Held: Bug-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
yellow
tm02
red blue
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
blue japan
tm02
red green japan
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm04
yellow
tm04
red blue
tm04
red green japan
tm04
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm04
blue japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
+662 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
butterfree's Evolution Chain
Butterfree Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Butterfree evolves from Metapod when the latter reaches level 10, completing the three-stage evolutionary line that begins with Caterpie at level 7. The evolution from Metapod to Butterfree represents a dramatic transformation where the Pokémon gains its wings and the ability to fly, transitioning from a predominantly defensive cocoon Pokémon into an active aerial combatant. The addition of the Flying type upon evolution grants Butterfree new move pools and type advantages it previously lacked, while its special attack stat jumps significantly from Metapod's modest offerings. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Butterfree gained access to Gigantamax, allowing it to grow to tremendous proportions and access the exclusive G-Max move Gigantamax Befuddle. This Gigantamax form retains Butterfree's Bug and Flying typing while dramatically increasing its physical presence and combat capabilities, providing trainers with a powerful late-game option that underscores Butterfree's potential beyond its early-game prominence. The evolutionary line represents one of the most iconic transformations in Pokémon lore, capturing the literal metamorphosis inherent in insect life cycles.
Where to Find
ilex forest
johto
+2 more
kanto route 2
kanto
+6 more
kanto route 27
kanto
azalea town
johto
kanto route 26
kanto
lake of rage
johto
johto route 39
johto
johto route 38
johto
johto route 37
johto
johto route 36
johto
johto route 35
johto
johto route 34
johto
kanto route 24
kanto
+1 more
kanto route 25
kanto
+1 more
viridian forest
kanto
unova route 12
unova
melemele meadow
alola
+9 more
lush jungle
alola
+7 more
alola route 5
alola
+9 more
Butterfree Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Butterfree exhibits behaviors consistent with both typical butterflies and the unique characteristics of Pokémon, spending its days actively flitting from flower to flower in search of honey. The species demonstrates an impressive ability to identify distant flowers in bloom, suggesting sophisticated visual or olfactory sensory capabilities that guide it across vast distances in its foraging expeditions. Its daily routine involves collecting honey, which it carefully rubs onto the hairs on its legs to transport back to its nest—a behavior that highlights both intelligence and purposefulness in its activities. In battle situations, Butterfree employs a distinctive combat strategy by flapping its wings at high speed to release highly toxic dust into the air, transforming its natural powder coating into an offensive weapon. The species thrives in environments with abundant flowering plants, typically found in grassy meadows, gardens, and botanical areas where nectar sources are plentiful, making it one of the more commonly encountered Pokémon in temperate regions during early exploration.
Pokedex Entries
Generation I
In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.
Its wings, covered with poisonous powders, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain.
Generation II
It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.
Water-repellent powder on its wings enables it to collect honey, even in the heav iest of rains.
It flits from flower to flower, collecting honey. It can even identify distant flowers in bloom.
Generation III
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.
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.
The wings are protected by rain-repellent dust. As a result, this POKéMON can fly about even in rain.
In battle, it flaps its wings at great speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.
Generation IV
It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.
Water-repellent powder on its wings enables it to collect honey, even in the heaviest of rains.
Generation V
It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
Generation VI
It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.
The wings are protected by rain-repellent dust. As a result, this Pokémon can fly about even in rain.
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.
Generation VII
Close examination of its large eyes reveals that each eye is composed of a myriad of tiny eyes.
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.
When attacked by other Pokémon, it defends itself by scattering its poisonous scales and fluttering its wings.
Nectar from pretty flowers is its favorite food. In fields of flowers, it has heated battles with Cutiefly for territory.
Its wings, covered with poisonous powder, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain.
Generation VIII
In battle, it flaps its wings at great speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.
It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.
Butterfree Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Butterfree is a straightforward portmanteau combining 'butterfly' with 'free,' emphasizing both the creature's insectoid nature and its newfound freedom as a flying Pokémon capable of soaring through the skies. The Japanese name バタフリー (Battafurī) is a direct katakana transliteration of this English term, maintaining consistency across regions. Visually, Butterfree's design draws clear inspiration from real-world butterflies, particularly in its symmetrical wing patterns and delicate leg structure, though its anthropomorphic purple body and human-like posture give it a distinctly Pokémon aesthetic that separates it from pure insect realism. The choice to emphasize the toxic powders and water-repellent properties in both the Pokédex entries and visual design reflects the essential characteristics of many butterfly species, which use various chemical coatings and wing textures for protection and environmental adaptation. The overall design successfully bridges the gap between realistic insect biology and fantastical creature design, creating an immediately recognizable silhouette that has endured for decades.
Learnable Moves
Butterfree can learn 86 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bug bite | bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bug buzz | bug | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confusion | psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| draining kiss | fairy | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| electroweb | electric | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gust | flying | Special | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| harden | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hurricane | flying | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| infestation | bug | Special | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| mega drain | grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| poison powder | poison | Status | — | 75 | 35 |
| pollen puff | bug | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psybeam | psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psywave | psychic | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| quiver dance | bug | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rage powder | bug | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| razor wind | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| signal beam | bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| silver wind | bug | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| skill swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sleep powder | grass | Status | — | 75 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| string shot | bug | Status | — | 95 | 40 |
| struggle bug | bug | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| stun spore | grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| supersonic | normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| sweet scent | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| teleport | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| venoshock | poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlwind | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
Butterfree Competitive Battle Guide
Butterfree occupies a niche role in competitive Pokémon battles, leveraging its 90 base special attack stat to deliver respectable special moves while its 70 speed allows it to outpace many opposing Pokémon in early-game scenarios. Its signature abilities provide distinct competitive advantages: Compound Eyes increases move accuracy to 1.3 times normal, making moves like Stun Spore and Sleep Powder far more reliable for status disruption strategies, while the hidden ability Tinted Lens doubles damage from moves that would normally be not-very-effective, transforming unfavorable type matchups into offensive opportunities. In competitive formats, Butterfree functions best as a utility Pokémon capable of spreading status conditions while dealing moderate special attack damage, rather than as a pure offensive threat. Its dual Bug and Flying typing grants resistances to Fighting, Grass, and Ground moves while only being weak to Fire, Flying, Electric, and Rock attacks, a relatively manageable weakness profile. The introduction of Gigantamax Butterfree in later generations provided a significant competitive boost through access to G-Max Befuddle, which damages opponents while applying confusion—a powerful combination that elevated Butterfree's viability in Format competitions requiring Dynamax mechanics.
Commonly Asked Questions About Butterfree
What type is Butterfree?
Butterfree is a bug and flying type Pokemon.
What does Butterfree evolve from?
Butterfree evolved from metapod that evolved from caterpie.
What are Butterfree's weaknesses?
Butterfree is weak to flying, rock, fire, electric and ice type moves.
Where can I find Butterfree?
Butterfree can be found in ilex forest (johto), kanto route 2 (kanto) and kanto route 27 (kanto) and 16 other locations.
Butterfree Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Butterfree holds a significant place in Pokémon cultural history as one of the earliest team members in the anime series, prominently featured in Ash Ketchum's original roster where his Butterfree evolved from a Metapod caught in the early episodes. This anime prominence established Butterfree as an iconic creature for generations of fans who grew up with the original series, creating emotional investment in the species despite its relatively modest competitive statistics. The character arc of Ash's Butterfree, particularly its eventual release into the wild to join a flock of pink Butterfree, became one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant moments in early anime history, cementing the species' place in popular culture beyond mere mechanical gameplay considerations. Throughout various Pokémon media, including trading card games, merchandise, and spin-off games, Butterfree has maintained consistent presence as an accessible and beloved creature. Its design has influenced perceptions of what a Pokémon can be—neither powerful nor particularly rare, yet charming and essential to the experience of Pokémon training. Fan communities continue to celebrate Butterfree with fan art, cosplay, and appreciation posts, demonstrating that a Pokémon's cultural significance transcends its competitive viability or late-game utility.
Where to Find Butterfree in Every Pokémon Game
Butterfree has maintained consistent availability throughout the main-series Pokémon games since Generation I, typically available early in each generation's progression through encounters with Caterpie in grassy areas or through direct encounters in select routes. In the original Red, Blue, and Yellow versions, Butterfree could be caught as early as the first routes by capturing Caterpie and allowing it to evolve naturally, establishing its role as an accessible early-game Pokémon that many trainers would encounter during their initial playthrough. Subsequent games have generally maintained this accessibility pattern, placing Butterfree or its pre-evolutionary forms within the first few routes or areas of each new region, though specific availability varies by generation and version. In modern games like Pokémon Sword and Shield, Butterfree appears in the Wild Area and specific routes, sometimes as a direct encounter and sometimes through breeding chains starting from Caterpie. The Pokédex entries across generations consistently list Butterfree as a relatively common Pokémon, reflecting its established role in the ecosystem and availability to new trainers seeking to build their early-game teams. Special distributions and events have occasionally provided Gigantamax-capable Butterfree, offering trainers additional opportunities to obtain optimized versions of the species for competitive or collection purposes.