Metapod

Metapod (Japanese: トランセル Trancell) is a -type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

Physiology
Metapod is an insect-like Pokémon with an appearance similar to that of a green colored chrysalis or cocoon. Although it is covered in its hard shell, Metapod's eyes are still clearly visible and usually appear dazed, drowsy, or angry for reasons unknown.

Special abilities
Metapod have the ability Shed Skin which allows for a 1/3 chance that a harmful status effect will be dropped every turn.

A Metapod's exterior is regularly hardened to protect its soft and tender innards while undergoing metamorphosis to eventually become a Butterfree. To conserve energy for this event, the Metapod barely moves.

Evolution
Metapod evolves from Caterpie as of level 7 and evolves into Butterfree starting at level 10.

Leveling
Generation V=

Generation IV=

Generation III=

Generation II=

Generation I=

Anime


Metapod first debuted in the anime episode Ash Catches a Pokémon when Ash Ketchum's Caterpie quickly evolved into a Metapod near the episode's end.

In the episode Challenge of the Samurai, Ash battled a Samurai-like trainer using his Metapod against the Samurai's Metapod.

Gym Leader Bugsy used his own Metapod against Ash in the episode Gettin' the Bugs Out. This Metapod proved to be more capable than others in previous episodes as it was actually able to knock out Ash's Chikorita.

Pokémon Adventures
Metapod make its first appearance in PA002 as one of the Pokémon in Professor Oak's Lab. Yellow had a Caterpie which evolved into a Metapod and then a Butterfree during her battle with Lance. There are also two Metapods which belong to Bugsy.

Trivia

 * Despite being immobile, Metapod can still learn Tackle and Bug Bite.
 * Metapod, Kakuna, Silcoon, and Cascoon are all known as the Cocoon Pokémon.
 * It is possible to catch a Metapod that cannot attack by capturing one that only knows Harden. This also applies to Kakuna, Silcoon, and Cascoon.
 * Metapod has a similar cry as Tentacruel.
 * When a wild Metapod is caught,it only uses Harden.
 * It shares this trait with Kakuna.

Origins
Metapod appears to be based on a cocoon by a caterpillar.

Names in other languages

 * English: Metapod came from metamorphosis and pod.
 * Japanese: トランセル (Toranseru in Romaji), probably means "trancer" due to evolving from Caterpie to Metapod, or "trance cell" because every cell in its body tranced.