Caterpie is a Bug-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It resembles a green caterpillar with a segmented body, yellow ring-shaped markings, and a bright red antenna (osmeterium) on its head. This small Pokémon is known for its voracious appetite, capable of devouring leaves bigger than itself and consuming up to a hundred leaves daily. Caterpie's favorite food is said to be the Vermilion flower.
Despite its cute appearance, Caterpie has several defense mechanisms. Its yellow ring-shaped markings are designed to look like large eyes to scare off predators. The bright red antenna on its head can release a horrible stench to repel enemies. However, Caterpie is still often preyed upon by Flying-type Pokémon.
Caterpie's four short feet are tipped with suction cups, allowing it to climb most surfaces with minimal effort. As it grows, Caterpie sheds its skin multiple times before eventually cocooning itself in thick silk. Interestingly, Caterpie can spit this silk to entangle foes, as seen in the Pokémon animated series.
In Pokémon Sleep, Caterpie has been observed to occasionally sleep while using String Shot, sometimes drooling out strings instead of saliva. This Pokémon is known for its rapid evolution, holding the record for the quickest double evolution in both the animated series and the Pokémon Adventures manga.
Pokédex Data
- National Pokédex Number: #010
- Type: Bug
- Height: 0.3 m (1'00")
- Weight: 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs)
- Abilities: Shield Dust, Run Away (Hidden Ability)
- Catch Rate: 255 (33.3% with PokéBall, full HP)
Breeding
- Egg Groups: Bug
- Gender Ratio: 50% male, 50% female
- Egg Cycles: 15 (3,599–3,855 steps)
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- 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."
- Sun: "When attacked by bird Pokémon, it resists by releasing a terrifically strong odor from its antennae, but it often becomes their prey."
Evolutions
Caterpie evolves into Metapod at level 7, which then evolves into Butterfree at level 10.
Habits
Caterpie lives in temperate forests and jungles. It is known for its quick growth and development, shedding its skin multiple times as it grows. Caterpie is often seen as an ideal Pokémon for new Trainers due to its ease of capture and rapid evolution.
Additions Across Generations
- Generation 1: Introduced with a base Special stat of 20
- Generation 2-7: Base Friendship value changed to 70
- Generation 6: 3D model introduced in the games
- Generation 8: Added to the Galar Pokédex (#013)