Pokémon Wiki

Don't like the ads? Then create an account! Users with accounts will only see ads on the Main Page and have more options than anonymous users.

READ MORE

Pokémon Wiki
Register
Don't have an account?
Sign In
Advertisement
Pokémon Wiki
Pokémon Wiki
19,104
pages
in: Bug-type Pokémon, Generation I Pokémon, Single Type Pokémon,
and 8 more
English

Caterpie

View source
watch 02:34
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes - The Loop
Do you like this video?
Play Sound

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

Biology

Physiology

Concept artwork of Caterpie.

Caterpie is a worm-like Pokémon that is mainly green in color with a tan underside. Just below its head are four, tiny legs that are used only for movement. On top of its head is a red, "y-shaped" antenna, which can be used to produce an odor used in self-defense, in case something tries to hurt it.

Behavior

Caterpie are known for their great appetites, usually eating many leaves before creating cocoons to evolve. They use self-made silk to both produce cocoons for evolution.

As weak, soft-bodied Pokémon, Caterpie attempt to gather as much energy as possible to hasten their evolutions into Metapod, and afterwards into Butterfree. However, they are not completely defenseless and do have a few tricks up their sleeves. Firstly, the large eyes on their heads can trick and confuse predators into thinking they are dealing with much larger Pokémon. Secondly, the suction pads on their feet allow them to climb nearly any surface and escape from predators. Additionally, Caterpie can use String Shot to slow down their enemies and buy time for escape. Finally, the antennae on their heads release a very noxious odor when disturbed. These defense mechanisms allow Caterpie to thrive in their native habitats, and combined with the large clutch sizes of Butterfree, make them are one of the most common Pokémon trainers encounter in forests.

Special abilities

Caterpie has the ability Shield Dust, which negates all status effects that are side effects of other moves. When threatened, it can release a strong odor from its antenna, which it uses to ward off predators. A ravenous Caterpie can quickly gobble up leaves that are much bigger than itself.

Evolution

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

Game info

Locations

Locations
Version(s) Area(s) Rarity
Red and Blue Viridian Forest, Route 25
Route 2, 24(Blue only) 		Uncommon(Red)
Common
Yellow Viridian Forest Common
Gold and Silver National Park
Ilex Forest, Route 2, 30, 31, Trees(Gold only)
Bug-Catching Contest(Silver only) 		Common(Gold)
Uncommon(Silver)
Crystal Ilex Forest, National Park, Route 2, 24, 25, 30, 31 Rare
Ruby and Sapphire Trade None
FireRed and LeafGreen Viridian Forest, Pattern Bush, Route 2, 24, 25 Rare
Emerald Trade None
Diamond and Pearl Route 204 Dongle (FireRed)
Platinum Eterna Forest, Route 204 Dongle (FireRed)
HeartGold and SoulSilver Route 2, 30, 31, National Park, Ilex Forest, Viridian Forest, Bug-Catching Contest, Headbutt trees Common
Black and White Trade from White (Black only)
Breed Caterpie or Metapod (White Version only) 		None
Black 2 and White 2 Trade from White 2 (Black 2 only)
Breed Butterfree (White 2 only) 		None
X and Y Santalune Forest Common
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Trade None
Sun and Moon Route 1 Common
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Route 1, Melemele Meadow, Route 5 Common
Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! Route 2, Viridian Forest Common
Sword and Shield Galar Route 1
Max Raid Battles: Bridge Field, Dappled Grove, Rolling Fields, South Lake Miloch 		Common

Spin-off game locations

Locations
Game(s) Area(s)
Pokémon Channel Viridian Forest
Pokémon Trozei! Phobos Train, Trozei Battle, Endless Level 9, Mr. Who's Den
Red Rescue Team & Blue Rescue Team Wish Cave (2-4F)
Explorers of Time & Explorers of Darkness Apple Woods (1-4F), Oran Forest (1-4F)
Pokémon Rumble Silent Forest
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure Meadow Zone


Pokédex entries

  • Red and Blue

    Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.

  • Yellow

    If you touch the feeler on top of its head, it will release a horrible stink to protect itself.

  • Gold

    For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies.

  • Silver

    Its feet have suction cups designed to stick to any surface. It tenaciously climbs trees to forage.

  • Crystal

    It crawls into foliage where it camouflages itself among leaves that are the same color as its body.

  • Ruby

    Caterpie has a voracious appetite. It can devour leaves bigger than its body right before your eyes. From its antenna, this Pokémon releases a terrifically strong odor.

  • Sapphire

    Caterpie has a voracious appetite. It can devour leaves bigger than its body right before your eyes. From its antenna, this Pokémon releases a terrifically strong odor.

  • FireRed

    It is covered with a green skin. When it grows, it sheds the skin, covers itself with silk, and becomes a cocoon.

  • LeafGreen

    Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.

  • Emerald

    Its voracious appetite compels it to devour leaves bigger than itself without hesitation. It releases a terribly strong odor from its antennae.

  • Diamond

    It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.

  • Pearl

    It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.

  • Platinum

    It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.

  • HeartGold

    For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies.

  • SoulSilver

    Its feet have suction cups designed to stick to any surface. It tenaciously climbs trees to forage.

  • Black

    It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.

  • White

    It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.

  • Black 2

    It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.

  • White 2

    It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.

  • X

    For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antennae on its head to drive away enemies.

  • Y

    Its feet have suction cups designed to stick to any surface. It tenaciously climbs trees to forage.

  • Omega Ruby

    Caterpie has a voracious appetite. It can devour leaves bigger than its body right before your eyes. From its antenna, this Pokémon releases a terrifically strong odor.

  • Alpha Sapphire

    Caterpie has a voracious appetite. It can devour leaves bigger than its body right before your eyes. From its antenna, this Pokémon releases a terrifically strong odor.

  • Sun

    When attacked by bird Pokémon, it resists by releasing a terrifically strong odor from its antennae, but it often becomes their prey.

  • Moon

    It's easy to catch, and it grows quickly, making it one of the top recommendations for novice Pokémon Trainers.

  • Ultra Sun

    Perhaps because it would like to grow up quickly, it has a voracious appetite, eating a hundred times a day.

  • Ultra Moon

    Its body is soft and weak. In nature, its perpetual fate is to be seen by others as food.

  • Let's Go, Pikachu!

    If you touch the feeler on top of its head, it will release a horrible stink to protect itself.

  • Let's Go, Eevee!

    If you touch the feeler on top of its head, it will release a horrible stink to protect itself.

  • Sword

    For protection, it releases a horrible stench from the antenna on its head to drive away enemies.

  • Shield

    Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls.


Stats

Caterpie's Stats
HP
45
Attack
30
Defense
35
Sp. Atk
20
Sp. Def
20
Speed
45
Total
195

Learnset

By leveling up

LevelingGeneration VIII
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Category
1 Tackle 40 100% 35 Normal Physical
1 String Shot — 95% 40 Bug Status
9 Bug Bite 60 100% 20 Bug Physical
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration VII
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Category
1 Tackle 40 100% 35 Normal Physical
1 String Shot — 95% 40 Bug Status
9 Bug Bite 60 100% 20 Bug Physical
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration VI
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Category Contest Category Appeal Jam
1 Tackle 50 100% 35 Normal Physical Tough 4 ♥ 0 ♥
1 String Shot — 95% 40 Bug Status Clever 2 ♥ 3 ♥
15 Bug Bite 60 100% 20 Bug Physical Cute 3 ♥ 0 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration V
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Category
1 Tackle 50 100% 35 Normal Physical
1 String Shot — 95% 40 Bug Status
15 Bug Bite 60 100% 20 Bug Physical
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration IV
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Category Contest Category Appeal
1 Tackle 35 95% 35 Normal Physical Tough 3 ♥
1 String Shot — 95% 40 Bug Status Smart 2 ♥
15 Bug Bite 60 100% 20 Bug Physical Tough 0 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration III
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Contest Category Appeal Jam
1 Tackle 35 95% 35 Normal Tough 4 ♥ 0 ♥
1 String Shot — 95% 40 Bug Smart 2 ♥ 3 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration II
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type
1 Tackle 35 95% 35 Normal
1 String Shot — 95% 40 Bug
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration I
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type
1 Tackle 35 95% 35 Normal
1 String Shot — 95% 40 Bug
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

By TM/HM

Generation VIII
Machine Move Type Category Power Accuracy PP
TM82 Electroweb Type Electric.gif Special 55 95% 15
Bold indicates that this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates that an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Caterpie learns no moves via TM/HM.

By breeding

Caterpie learns no moves via breeding.


By tutoring

Tutoring Generation VII
Move Power Accuracy PP Type Category
Bug Bite USUM 60 100% 20 Bug Physical
Electroweb USUM 55 95% 15 Electric Special
Snore USUM 55 100% 15 Normal Special
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Tutoring Generation VI
Move Power Accuracy PP Type Category Contest Category Appeal Jam
Bug Bite ORAS 60 100% 20 Bug Physical Cute 3 ♥ 0 ♥
Electroweb ORAS 55 95% 15 Electric Special Beautiful 2 ♥ 1 ♥
Snore ORAS 50 100% 15 Normal Special Cute 3 ♥ 0 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Tutoring Generation V
Move Power Accuracy PP Type Category
Bug Bite  60 100% 20 Bug Physical
Electroweb  55 95% 15 Electric Special
Snore  40 100% 15 Normal Special
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Tutoring Generation IV
Move Power Accuracy PP Type Category Contest Category Appeal
Bug Bite HGSS 60 100% 20 Bug Physical Tough 0 ♥
Snore  40 100% 15 Normal Special Cute 3 ♥
String Shot HGSS — 95% 40 Bug Status Smart 2 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Sprites

Appearances

Anime

Main article: Butterfree (anime)

Though Caterpie has quite a few cameos, the only time one of the main characters owned one was when Ash had caught a Caterpie in the episode Ash Catches a Pokémon, being the first Pokémon he ever caught. During the same episode, Caterpie evolved into a Metapod. A few episodes later, his Metapod evolved into a Butterfree.

Trivia

  • Caterpie, along with Weedle and Wurmple take the least amount of levels to evolve, with 7.
  • Caterpie shares the same species name with Wurmple called the Worm Pokémon.
  • Caterpie has the same cry as Goldeen's in the Generation 1 and 2 games, probably because of the Game Boy's limited space.
  • Caterpie is the first Pokémon to be seen evolving in the anime.

Origin

Caterpie is a stylized caterpillar, most resembling an Asian swallowtail. Its "antenna" is an osmeterium, an organ unique to swallowtail caterpillars which, like Caterpie, they use to emit a foul odor. The tip of Caterpie's tail resembles the horn at the rear end of most species of hawk moth larvae.

Etymology

Caterpie's name appears to be based on caterpillar.

Gallery

See also

v · d · eGeneration I Pokémon
  1. Bulbasaur
  2. Ivysaur
  3. Venusaur
  4. Charmander
  5. Charmeleon
  6. Charizard
  7. Squirtle
  8. Wartortle
  9. Blastoise
  10. Caterpie
  11. Metapod
  12. Butterfree
  13. Weedle
  14. Kakuna
  15. Beedrill
  16. Pidgey
  17. Pidgeotto
  18. Pidgeot
  19. Rattata
  20. Raticate
  21. Spearow
  22. Fearow
  23. Ekans
  24. Arbok
  25. Pikachu
  26. Raichu
  27. Sandshrew
  28. Sandslash
  29. Nidoran♀
  30. Nidorina
  31. Nidoqueen
  32. Nidoran♂
  33. Nidorino
  34. Nidoking
  35. Clefairy
  36. Clefable
  37. Vulpix
  38. Ninetales
  39. Jigglypuff
  40. Wigglytuff
  41. Zubat
  42. Golbat
  43. Oddish
  44. Gloom
  45. Vileplume
  46. Paras
  47. Parasect
  48. Venonat
  49. Venomoth
  50. Diglett
  51. Dugtrio
  52. Meowth
  53. Persian
  54. Psyduck
  55. Golduck
  56. Mankey
  57. Primeape
  58. Growlithe
  59. Arcanine
  60. Poliwag
  61. Poliwhirl
  62. Poliwrath
  63. Abra
  64. Kadabra
  65. Alakazam
  66. Machop
  67. Machoke
  68. Machamp
  69. Bellsprout
  70. Weepinbell
  71. Victreebel
  72. Tentacool
  73. Tentacruel
  74. Geodude
  75. Graveler
  76. Golem
  77. Ponyta
  78. Rapidash
  79. Slowpoke
  80. Slowbro
  81. Magnemite
  82. Magneton
  83. Farfetch'd
  84. Doduo
  85. Dodrio
  86. Seel
  87. Dewgong
  88. Grimer
  89. Muk
  90. Shellder
  91. Cloyster
  92. Gastly
  93. Haunter
  94. Gengar
  95. Onix
  96. Drowzee
  97. Hypno
  98. Krabby
  99. Kingler
  100. Voltorb
  101. Electrode
  102. Exeggcute
  103. Exeggutor
  104. Cubone
  105. Marowak
  106. Hitmonlee
  107. Hitmonchan
  108. Lickitung
  109. Koffing
  110. Weezing
  111. Rhyhorn
  112. Rhydon
  113. Chansey
  114. Tangela
  115. Kangaskhan
  116. Horsea
  117. Seadra
  118. Goldeen
  119. Seaking
  120. Staryu
  121. Starmie
  122. [[|Mr. Mime]]
  123. Scyther
  124. Jynx
  125. Electabuzz
  126. Magmar
  127. Pinsir
  128. Tauros
  129. Magikarp
  130. Gyarados
  131. Lapras
  132. Ditto
  133. Eevee
  134. Vaporeon
  135. Jolteon
  136. Flareon
  137. Porygon
  138. Omanyte
  139. Omastar
  140. Kabuto
  141. Kabutops
  142. Aerodactyl
  143. Snorlax
  144. Articuno
  145. Zapdos
  146. Moltres
  147. Dratini
  148. Dragonair
  149. Dragonite
  150. Mewtwo
  151. Mew
See also
Generation II · Generation III · Generation IV · Generation V · Generation VI · Generation VII · Generation VIII
Generation I
v · d · eEvolutionary Line
010.png011.png012.png
Categories
Languages
Deutsch Español Français Nederlands Português do Brasil
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
Advertisement

Fan Feed

More Pokémon Wiki
Explore Wikis