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

Butterfree Butterfly Pokémon バタフリー Butterfree #012 Butterfree Gigantamax Butterfree Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Bug Flying
Abilities Compound Eyes Tinted Lens Hidden Ability
Gender ratio     50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 45 (11.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Bug Hatch time 3855 - 4111 steps
Height 3'07" 1.1 m Butterfree 55'09"+ 17.0+ m Gigantamax Butterfree	Weight 70.5 lbs. 32.0 kg Butterfree ??? lbs. ??? kg Gigantamax Butterfree
Base experience yield 160 Gen. I-IV 178 V+	Leveling rate Medium Fast
EV yield Total: 3 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 2 Sp.Atk 1 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint
Pokédex color   White	Base friendship 70
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Butterfree (Japanese: バタフリー Butterfree) is a dual-type Bug/Flying Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves from Metapod starting at level 10. It is the final form of Caterpie.

Butterfree has a Gigantamax form.

Biology

Butterfree is a 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 legs resemble small, three-fingered hands, while the lower pair resembles long, digit-less feet. Butterfree has two black antennae, a light blue snout with two fangs underneath, and large, red compound eyes. The red compound eyes at a closer look are reveled to be myriad of tiny eyes. Its two pairs of wings are white with black venation. Two oval scales on a female Butterfree's lower wings are black, but they are white on a male.

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

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

The massive wings are powerful enough to lift a ten-ton truck through a simple flap. The wind it generates can scatter poisonous scales throughout the area, making it dangerous to be near it.^[1]

In Pokémon Sword and Shield prior to the DLC for The Isle of Armor, Butterfree was the only known Pokémon capable of using the move Rage Powder. Gigantamax Butterfree is the only known Pokémon capable of using the G-Max Move G-Max Befuddle.

In the anime

Main series

Major appearances

Ash's Butterfree

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

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

Pink Butterfree

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

Other

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minor appearances

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

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

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

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

A Butterfree appeared in The March of the Exeggutor Squad.

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

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

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

In a flashback in Snack Attack, multiple Orange Archipelago Butterfree were residents of the Seven Grapefruit Islands.

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

A wild Butterfree appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

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

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

Multiple Butterfree appeared in A Sappy Ending.

A Butterfree appeared in Once in a Blue Moon.

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

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

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

In Mewtwo Returns, multiple Butterfree flew over Mount Quena.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Houndoom's Special Delivery.

Three Butterfree appeared in a flashback in The Light Fantastic.

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

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

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

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

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

In Fangs for Nothin', multiple Butterfree were inhabitants of the Dragon Land.

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

A Butterfree briefly appeared in Camp Pikachu.

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

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

Multiple Butterfree appeared in the opening sequence of Destiny Deoxys.

A Butterfree appeared in The Green Guardian.

Multiple Butterfree appeared in Curbing the Crimson Tide!.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Butterfree appeared in Camping It Up!.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four wild Buttefree appeared in Alola, Kanto!.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Multiple Butterfree appeared in a flashback in Enter Pikachu!.

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

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

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

Two Butterfree appeared in 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 JN062, a Caterpie in seen in a video evolving all the way into Butterfree.

A Trainer's Butterfree appeared in JN070.

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!.

In the manga

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.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Multiple Butterfree appeared in JNM01.

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

A Butterfree appeared in JNM08.

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 PASS04.

A Butterfree appeared in a flashback in PASS05.

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

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 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

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Butterfree is the mother of Caterpie, who she sends the player to rescue in the first mission of the game.

Pokédex entries

Generation I     Kanto #012 Red In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed to release highly toxic dust into the air. Blue Yellow Its wings, covered with poisonous powders, repel water. This allows it to fly in the rain. Stadium Its wings are covered with poisonous dust. If you see one flapping its wings, be careful not to inhale any of the dust.

Generation II     Johto #026 Gold It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest. Silver Water-repellent powder on its wings enables it to collect honey, even in the heaviest of rains. Crystal It flits from flower to flower, collecting honey. It can even identify distant flowers in bloom. Stadium 2 It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.

Generation III   Hoenn #—   Kanto #012 Ruby Butterfree has a superior ability to search for delicious honey from flowers. It can even search out, extract, and carry honey from flowers that are blooming over six miles from its nest. Sapphire Emerald It has a superior ability to search for delicious honey from flowers. It can seek, extract, and carry honey from flowers blooming over six miles away. FireRed The wings are protected by a rain-repellent dust. As a result, this Pokémon can fly about even in rain. LeafGreen In battle, it flaps its wings at great speed to release highly toxic dust into the air.

Generation IV   Sinnoh #—   Johto #026 Diamond It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen. Pearl Platinum HeartGold It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest. SoulSilver Water-repellent powder on its wings enables it to collect honey, even in the heaviest of rains.

Generation V     Unova #— Black It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen. White Black 2 It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen. White 2

Generation VI   Kalos Central #025   Hoenn #— X It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen. Y The wings are protected by rain-repellent dust. As a result, this Pokémon can fly about even in rain. Omega Ruby Butterfree has a superior ability to search for delicious honey from flowers. It can even search out, extract, and carry honey from flowers that are blooming over six miles from its nest. Alpha Sapphire

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

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

 

Alternate games

Pokémon Pinball, Pokémon Trading Card Game (Base Set)

In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed, releasing highly toxic dust into the air.

Pokémon Trading Card Game (Neo Discovery)

It collects honey every day. It rubs honey onto the hairs on its legs to carry it back to its nest.

Game locations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Generation VIII   Sword Shield Slumbering Weald, East Lake Axewell, Giant's Mirror, Rolling Fields 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

 

In side games

Generation I   Snap Beach Pinball Evolve Metapod

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

In events

Wild Area News

Games	Event	Gigantamax	Level	Distribution period
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	17, 30Sw, 40, 50, 60	November 15 to December 4, 2019
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	17, 30Sw, 40, 50, 70	November 15 to December 4, 2019
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	17	December 4, 2019 to January 9, 2020
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	17, 30, 40, 50, 60	December 4, 2019 to January 9, 2020
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	17	December 20 to 25, 2019
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	17, 30, 40, 50, 60	December 20 to 25, 2019
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	17, 30, 40, 50, 60	December 31, 2019 to January 3, 2020
Sh	Wild Area News	Yes	17, 50	June 1 to 29, 2020
Sh	Wild Area News	Yes	50	June 17 to 28, 2020
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	17, 30, 40, 50, 60	November 2 to 30, 2020

Held items

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

Stats

Base stats

Generations I-V

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 60		120 - 167	230 - 324
Attack: 45		45 - 106	85 - 207
Defense: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Sp. Atk: 80		76 - 145	148 - 284
Sp. Def: 80		76 - 145	148 - 284
Speed: 70		67 - 134	130 - 262
Total: 385	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature. This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 80.

 

Generation VI onward

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 60		120 - 167	230 - 324
Attack: 45		45 - 106	85 - 207
Defense: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Sp. Atk: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Sp. Def: 80		76 - 145	148 - 284
Speed: 70		67 - 134	130 - 262
Total: 395	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

 

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 2/4 ★★☆☆	Power 2/3 ★★☆
Skill 2/3 ★★☆	Stamina 2/3 ★★☆
Jump 5/5 ★★★★★	Total 13/18 ★★☆

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation VIII, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Poison 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Water 1× Psychic 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1×

Weak to: Flying 2× Rock 4× Fire 2× Electric 2× Ice 2×

Immune to: Ground 0×

Resistant to: Fighting ¼× Bug ½× Grass ¼×

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

Learnset

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 1 Gust Flying Special 40 100% 35 1 Harden Normal Status — —% 30 1 Tackle Normal Physical 40 100% 35 1 String Shot Bug Status — 95% 40 1 Bug Bite Bug Physical 60 100% 20 Evo. Gust Flying Special 40 100% 35 4 Supersonic Normal Status — 55% 20 8 Confusion Psychic Special 50 100% 25 12 Poison Powder Poison Status — 75% 35 12 Stun Spore Grass Status — 75% 30 12 Sleep Powder Grass Status — 75% 15 16 Psybeam Psychic Special 65 100% 20 20 Whirlwind Normal Status — —% 20 24 Air Slash Flying Special 75 95% 15 28 Safeguard Normal Status — —% 25 32 Bug Buzz Bug Special 90 100% 10 36 Tailwind Flying Status — —% 15 40 Rage Powder Bug Status — —% 20 44 Quiver Dance Bug Status — —% 20

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Butterfree Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Butterfree Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/TR

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM08 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150 90% 5 TM09 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150 90% 5 TM11 Solar Beam Grass Special 120 100% 10 TM19 Safeguard Normal Status — —% 25 TM21 Rest Psychic Status — —% 10 TM23 Thief Dark Physical 60 100% 25 TM24 Snore Normal Special 50 100% 15 TM25 Protect Normal Status — —% 10 TM28 Giga Drain Grass Special 75 100% 10 TM31 Attract Normal Status — 100% 15 TM33 Rain Dance Water Status — —% 5 TM34 Sunny Day Fire Status — —% 5 TM39 Facade Normal Physical 70 100% 20 TM40 Swift Normal Special 60 —% 20 TM56 U-turn Bug Physical 70 100% 20 TM74 Venoshock Poison Special 65 100% 10 TM76 Round Normal Special 60 100% 15 TM78 Acrobatics Flying Physical 55 100% 15 TM82 Electroweb Electric Special 55 95% 15 TM87 Draining Kiss Fairy Special 50 100% 10 TM95 Air Slash Flying Special 75 95% 15 TR11 Psychic Psychic Special 90 100% 10 TR20 Substitute Normal Status — —% 10 TR26 Endure Normal Status — —% 10 TR27 Sleep Talk Normal Status — —% 10 TR29 Baton Pass Normal Status — —% 40 TR33 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 80 100% 15 TR40 Skill Swap Psychic Status — —% 10 TR46 Iron Defense Steel Status — —% 15 TR61 Bug Buzz Bug Special 90 100% 10 TR65 Energy Ball Grass Special 90 100% 10 TR89 Hurricane Flying Special 110 70% 10 TR96 Pollen Puff Bug Special 90 100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Butterfree Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Butterfree Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

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

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

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Sw Sh EP 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

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

Gen.   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  I II III IV V VI VII Aerial Ace Flying Physical 60 —% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Air Cutter Flying Special 60 95% 25 I II III IV V VI VII Bide × Normal Physical — —% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Captivate × Normal Status — 100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Confide Normal Status — —% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Curse Ghost Status — —% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Defog Flying Status — —% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Double Team Normal Status — —% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Double-Edge Normal Physical 120 100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Dream Eater Psychic Special 100 100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Flash × Normal Status — 100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Frustration × Normal Physical — 100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Headbutt Normal Physical 70 100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Hidden Power × Normal Special 60 100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Infestation Bug Special 20 100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Mega Drain Grass Special 40 100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Mimic Normal Status — —% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Morning Sun Normal Status — —% 5 I II III IV V VI VII Natural Gift × Normal Physical — 100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Nightmare × Ghost Status — 100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Ominous Wind × Ghost Special 60 100% 5 I II III IV V VI VII Psych Up Normal Status — —% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Psywave × Psychic Special — 100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Rage × Normal Physical 20 100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Razor Wind × Normal Special 80 100% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Reflect Psychic Status — —% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Return × Normal Physical — 100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Roost Flying Status — —% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Secret Power × Normal Physical 70 100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Signal Beam × Bug Special 75 100% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Silver Wind × Bug Special 60 100% 5 I II III IV V VI VII Struggle Bug Bug Special 50 100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Swagger Normal Status — 85% 15 I II III IV V VI VII Sweet Scent Normal Status — 100% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Take Down Normal Physical 90 85% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Teleport Psychic Status — —% 20 I II III IV V VI VII Toxic Poison Status — 90% 10 I II III IV V VI VII Twister Dragon Special 40 100% 20

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 Generation VIII 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 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 Stamina: 155 Base Attack: 167 Base Defense: 137 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 1 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Struggle Bug*, Confusion, Bug Bite† Charged Attacks: Bug Buzz, Psychic, Signal Beam

Evolution

Unevolved Caterpie  Bug

Level 7 →

First evolution Metapod  Bug

Level 10 →

Second evolution Butterfree  Bug  Flying

 

Forms

Gigantamax

Sprites

Generation I   Red Blue   Yellow   Red Green     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

 

Trivia

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

Origin

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

Gigantamax Butterfree may be inspired by the kaiju Mothra.

Name origin

Butterfree may be a combination of butterfly and free (referring to its ability to fly after being grounded for two evolutionary stages). It may also be derived from the Gaelic butterflee.

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

In other languages

Language Title Meaning  Japanese バタフリー Butterfree From バタフライ batafurai and フリー furī. Possibly also パタパタ patapata and 振る furu  French Papilusion From papillon and illusion  Spanish Butterfree Same as English/Japanese name  German Smettbo From Schmetterling and possibly Bö  Italian Butterfree Same as English/Japanese name  Korean 버터플 Beoteopeul Corruption of 버터플라이 beoteopeullai  Cantonese Chinese 巴大蝶 Bādaaihdihp 巴他蝶 Bātādihp * Partial transliteration of its Japanese name, and 蝴蝶 wùhdíp  Mandarin Chinese 巴大蝶 Bādàdié 巴大蝴 Bādàhú * Partial transliteration of its Japanese name, and 蝴蝶 húdié

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related articles

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

References

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

 

← #011: Metapod

Pokémon

#013: Weedle →

 

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