View source for Butterfree

{{Short description|Pokémon species}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox VG character
| name = Butterfree
| image = File:Butterfree.png
| alt = 
| image_upright = 
| caption = Butterfree artwork by [[Ken Sugimori]]
| series = [[Pokémon]]
| firstgame = [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] (1996)
| creator = 
| designer = [[Ken Sugimori]]
| voice = [[Rikako Aikawa]]
| species = Pokémon
| lbl21 = [[Pokémon types|Type]]
| data21 = Bug and Flying
}}
'''Butterfree''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ʌ|t|ɚ|f|ɹ|iː}}; [[Japanese language|Japanese]]: {{lang|ja|バタフリー}} [[Hepburn romanization|Hepburn]]: {{Transliteration|ja|Batafurī}}) is a [[List of Pokémon|Pokémon species]] in [[Nintendo]] and [[Game Freak]]'s [[Pokémon|''Pokémon'' media franchise]], and the [[Gameplay of Pokémon#Pokémon evolution|evolved]] form of [[Metapod]], an evolution of the Pokémon [[Caterpie]]. First introduced in the video games [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']], it is among the first Pokémon available to the player and evolves sooner than most other Pokémon species. Since Butterfree's debut, it has appeared in multiple games in the series, including ''[[Pokémon Go]]'' and the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]'', as well as various merchandise.

Classified as both a Bug and Flying-type Pokémon, Butterfree is an insect which is based on a butterfly, while its previous forms are based on a caterpillar and [[chrysalis]], respectively. It has white wings with black patterns, antennae, red [[Compound eye|compound eyes]], and a purple two-segment body with blue hands and feet. Entomologist Rebecca M. Kittel argued that these Butterfree and its prior forms all take inspiration from different insects. Due to these dissimilarities, an [[urban legend]] was formed that suggested the Pokémon [[Venomoth]] originally evolved from Metapod and that Butterfree evolved from [[Venonat]] due to Butterfree's similarities to it.

In the ''Pokémon'' anime, Butterfree is a Pokémon of protagonist [[Ash Ketchum]], evolving from a Caterpie he caught. Its departure in the anime has been considered one of the most touching moments in the series due to it being the first Pokémon he caught, as well as the fact that it did not return for most of the anime. It eventually returned in the finale of Ash's story, which was considered an impactful moment.

==Conception and development==
Butterfree is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the ''[[Pokémon]]'' media franchise. Developed by [[Game Freak]] and published by [[Nintendo]], the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Green'' for the [[Game Boy]], which were later released in North America as [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] in 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |title=''Pokémon Red'' & ''Blue'' – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called [[Gameplay of Pokémon#Pokémon evolution|evolution]] via various means.<ref name="millenial"/> Each Pokémon has one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.<ref>{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=[[Scholastic Inc.]] |page=5 |isbn=9780545795661}}</ref> A major goal in each game is to complete the [[Pokédex]], a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.<ref name="millenial">{{cite book |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |first=Anne |last=Allison |date=May 2006 |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}}</ref>

When making the games, the design first started as pixel art [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] by the development team, created with a single color identity chosen to work within the [[Super Game Boy]] hardware limitations.<ref name="EeveeDesigner">{{cite web |last1=Morrissy |first1=Kim |title=Pokémon Designers Reflect on History of Eevee's Design |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-09-10/pokemon-designers-reflect-on-history-of-eevee-design/.136529 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126003606/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-09-10/pokemon-designers-reflect-on-history-of-eevee-design/.136529 |archive-date=2022-11-26 |access-date=18 August 2020 |website=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> While conceived as a group effort by multiple developers at Game Freak,<ref>{{cite web |date=2 May 2018 |script-title=ja:ピカチュウは大福？ 初めて明かされる誕生秘話 |trans-title=Is Pikachu [[Daifuku]]? The Secret Story Behind its Creation Revealed for the First Time |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006195536/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/ |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |accessdate=22 January 2024 |website=Yomiuri |language=Japanese}} English transcript of interview available at {{cite web |date=26 July 2018 |title=Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830165102/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/creator-profile-the-creators-of-pikachu/ |archivedate=30 August 2020 |accessdate=9 February 2024 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref> once development was complete Sugimori re-drew the species along with the others in his own artstyle in order to give the game a unified look and finalize any design elements, while also trying to maintain the original sprite artist's unique style.<ref name="finalized">{{cite book |title=Ken Sugimori Works |date=January 2014 |publisher=Tankobon Softcover |isbn=9784198638061 |pages=342–343 |language=Japanese}}</ref> When the games were localized for English-speaking audiences, [[Nintendo of America]] gave the various Pokémon species descriptive names related to their appearance or features as a means to make them more relatable to American children.<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine |last=Chua-Euan |first=Howard |date=November 22, 1999 |title=PokéMania |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010220055311/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html |archive-date=February 20, 2001 |access-date=September 15, 2008 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref>

===Design===
Butterfree is an insect-like Pokémon, resembling a [[butterfly]]. Its purple body features two segments, and its mouth, hands, and feet are blue. It features red [[compound eyes]], a pair of antennae, small white [[fangs]], and white wings with a black pattern. It evolves from [[Metapod]], a green [[chrysalis]] form that evolves from [[Caterpie]] which has a nose-like protrusion. Caterpie is also green, resembling a [[caterpillar]] with a red protrusion from its head.<ref name="Entomology">{{cite web |last=Kittel |first=Rebecca M. |year=2018 |title=The entomological diversity of Pokémon |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328232542 |accessdate=September 19, 2024 |work=Journal of Geek Studies}}</ref> Author Rebecca M. Kittel discussed the growth of Caterpie into Butterfree, finding that Caterpie resembled an [[Asian swallowtail]], while Metapod resembled a swallowtail [[chrysalis]], specifically stating that its "nose-like protrusion" resembles a [[Polydamas swallowtail]] and [[pipevine swallowtail]]. For Butterfree, she argued that while it bore a resemblance to ''[[Aporia crataegi]]'', it had teeth instead of a proboscis like those butterflies have. She also described that Butterfree's two-segmented body differed from adult insects' three-segmented bodies.<ref name="Entomology" />

==Appearances==
First found in ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'',<ref name="IGN" /> Butterfree has appeared in many main series ''Pokémon'' titles since.<ref name="IGN" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Alex |date=2016-11-24 |title=Pokemon Sun & Moon Walkthrough Part 5: Route 3, Melemele Meadow, Seaward Cave & Kala'e Bay |url=https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-sun-moon-walkthrough-part-5-route-3-melemele-meadow-seaward-cave-kalae-bay |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920211322/https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-sun-moon-walkthrough-part-5-route-3-melemele-meadow-seaward-cave-kalae-bay |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Sword And Shield: Last Chance To Get Gigantamax Snorlax, Butterfree, And More |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-sword-and-shield-last-chance-to-get-gigant/1100-6472491/ |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926132534/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-sword-and-shield-last-chance-to-get-gigant/1100-6472491/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: All version-exclusive Pokemon and differences |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-and-shining-pearl-all-version-exclusive-pokemon-and-differences/ |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=CNET |language=en |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920211322/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-and-shining-pearl-all-version-exclusive-pokemon-and-differences/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Red'' and ''Blue'', Butterfree is available early in the game through evolution from a Caterpie or Metapod caught in the wild, evolving at a lower level than most other Pokémon.<ref name="IGN"/> The games [[Pokémon Sword and Shield|''Pokémon Sword'' and ''Shield'']] introduced a mechanic called Dynamax, which allowed Pokémon to grow to large sizes in battle, with some Pokémon, Butterfree included, getting exclusive new designs called Gigantamax forms associated with the phenomenon.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-11 |title='Pokémon Sword and Shield': Dynamax vs. Gigantamax, explained |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/60831-pokemon-sword-shield-dynamax-gigantamax-mega-evolution-z-moves |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Inverse |language=en |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808183129/https://www.inverse.com/article/60831-pokemon-sword-shield-dynamax-gigantamax-mega-evolution-z-moves |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-16 |title='Pokémon Sword and Shield' adds Gigantamax Fat Pikachu, Butterfree and more |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/60171-pokemon-sword-shield-gigantamax-fat-pikachu-butterfree-eevee-gen1-kanto |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Inverse |language=en |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926132648/https://www.inverse.com/article/60171-pokemon-sword-shield-gigantamax-fat-pikachu-butterfree-eevee-gen1-kanto |url-status=live }}</ref> Butterfree is available in the mobile game ''[[Pokémon Go]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Julia |date=2024-04-16 |title=Can Caterpie be shiny in Pokémon Go? |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go-guide/24131166/can-caterpie-be-shiny-metapod-butterfree |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> and the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dwyer |first=Theo |date=2020-12-29 |title=Pokémon TCG Darkness Ablaze Expansion: Complete Review |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-darkness-ablaze-expansion-complete-review/ |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920211322/https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-darkness-ablaze-expansion-complete-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 

In the related [[Pokémon (TV series)|anime]], Caterpie is the first Pokémon [[Ash Ketchum]] caught. It eventually evolved into Metapod and then Butterfree,<ref name="GS"/> and was at one point temporarily traded for a [[Raticate]] before Ash traded back for it.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Butterfree later finds a female Butterfree, who Ash helps him woo. At the end of the episode, Ash allows Butterfree to go with this other Butterfree, despite his sadness over his departure.<ref name="GS">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/5-unforgettable-pokemon-tv-series-moments/1100-6435056/ |title=5 Unforgettable Pokemon TV Series Moments |work=[[GameSpot]] |last=Hussain |first=Tamoor |date=February 27, 2018 |accessdate=September 20, 2024 |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919191644/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/5-unforgettable-pokemon-tv-series-moments/1100-6435056/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Butterfree and Ash eventually reunite twenty years later in the series finale at the end of Ash's journey.<ref name="CBR Return"/> Butterfree also appears in the anime film ''[[Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!]]'', a retelling of the original series with some differences.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/10/new-pokemon-movie-retells-ashs-first-adventure-without-brock-and-misty |title=New Pokemon Movie Retells Ash's First Adventure Without Brock and Misty |work=[[IGN]] |last=Osborn |first=Alex |date=July 10, 2017 |accessdate=September 20, 2024 |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919191644/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/10/new-pokemon-movie-retells-ashs-first-adventure-without-brock-and-misty |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
Butterfree has received generally positive reception. In their ''Pokémon of the Day'' series, ''IGN'' stated that they appreciated the fact that Butterfree was a Pokémon that players could obtain early through evolution and who was useful against in-game opponents early in the game, but that it petered off eventually and largely became useless.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/17/pokemon-battle-e-pokemon-of-the-day-butterfree-12-429293 |title=Pokemon of the Day: Butterfree (#12) |work=[[IGN]] |author=Pokémon of the Day Chick |date=July 17, 2003 |accessdate=September 20, 2024 |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919191643/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/17/pokemon-battle-e-pokemon-of-the-day-butterfree-12-429293 |url-status=live }}</ref> "Bye-Bye Butterfree" has been considered one of the most touching farewell episodes in the ''Pokémon'' anime, with ''Real Sound'' staff noting that it caused many fans to cry over Butterfree's departure.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://realsound.jp/book/2023/03/post-1274782.html |title=『ポケモン』サトシの旅はまもなく終わり……涙が止まらなかった"手持ちポケモン"との別れのエピソード |work=Real Sound |author=Yorkshire |date=March 8, 2023 |accessdate=September 19, 2024 |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919191640/https://realsound.jp/book/2023/03/post-1274782.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Author Quentin Gervasoni believed that Butterfree was famous because of this episode, and that the scene of it departing became a [[Internet meme|meme]] due to its emotion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hal.science/hal-03905727/document |title=Is Pokémon for children? How fan participation and transmedia practices transform age boundaries of audiences |page=14 |work=HAL Open Science |last=Gervasoni |first=Quentin |accessdate=September 21, 2024 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926132533/https://hal.science/hal-03905727/document |url-status=live }}</ref> The fact that it was the first Pokémon released by anyone in the anime series at that point was also a contributing factor to its departure's impact according to ''[[IGN]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/08/see-the-6-saddest-pokemon-moments |title=6 Saddest Pokemon Moments |work=[[IGN]] |last=Gettys |first=Tim |date=May 8, 2014 |accessdate=September 19, 2024}}</ref>  ''[[Anime News Network]]'' writer Jacob Chapman stated that, despite not being as torn up over Butterfree's departure as others, the scene was "burned into [his] brain." He also suggested that this scene mirrored the first experience of loss for many children.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-02-08/the-top-twenty-original-pokemon-episodes-part-one/.111807 |title=The Top Twenty Original Pokémon Episodes - Part One |work=Anime News Network |last=Chapman |first=Jacob |date=February 8, 2017 |accessdate=September 19, 2024 |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818144542/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-02-08/the-top-twenty-original-pokemon-episodes-part-one/.111807 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''TheGamer'' writer Brandon Howard expressed a desire for Butterfree to return to the anime upon hearing that Ash's story was nearing its conclusion; he felt that releasing Butterfree was one of Ash's most difficult decisions in the series, stating that it would be a good send-off for Ash for him and Butterfree to reunite.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/butterfree-pokemon-journeys-ash/ |title=If Ash's Journey Is Over, Can Butterfree Come Back? |work=[[TheGamer]] |last=Howard |first=Brandon |date=May 11, 2020 |accessdate=September 20, 2024 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926132535/https://www.thegamer.com/butterfree-pokemon-journeys-ash/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The return of Butterfree in the finale of the anime was considered an emotionally impactful moment by ''[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]'' writer Jae Choi, who felt that the end of Ash's journey having him meet up with Butterfree again made the moment more poignant. Butterfree, unlike other Pokémon who left Ash's party, had never returned during the anime up until that point, which made Choi feel that Butterfree's departure and eventual return was more impactful as a result. He also suggested it served as a good benchmark, showing Butterfree's departure as "Ash's first real moment of growing up" with Butterfree's return showing how far Ash has come since releasing him.<ref name="CBR Return">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-journeys-episode-136-ash-butterfree-reunited/ |title=Pokémon: Why the Return of Ash's Butterfree Is So Emotionally Impactful |work=CBR |last=Choi |first=Jae |date=February 14, 2023 |accessdate=September 19, 2024 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926132649/https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-journeys-episode-136-ash-butterfree-reunited/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Crunchyroll'' writer Daniel Dockery argued that the episode was the saddest episode of television, discussing how Butterfree's departure deviates from how Pokémon works - namely, that players can store Pokémon they don't use, which he argued contrasted with the "uncontrolled destiny" of Butterfree's. He also argued that Ash and Butterfree's relationship is like a father-son one, noting how Butterfree was the only Pokémon that actually grew through evolution at the time, and thus the only one he watched grow up.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2020/4/9/why-bye-bye-butterfree-is-the-saddest-episode-of-anything-ever |title=Why "Bye Bye Butterfree" Is The Saddest Episode Of Anything Ever |work=Crunchyroll |last=Dockery |first=Daniel |date=April 9, 2020 |accessdate=September 20, 2024 |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920231046/https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2020/4/9/why-bye-bye-butterfree-is-the-saddest-episode-of-anything-ever |url-status=live }}</ref> This idea was also exploded by author Tim Jordan, who concurred that Butterfree being his first Pokémon caught emphasized the emotion for Ash.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/?next_url=/ezproxy/r/ezp.2aHR0cHM6Ly9kb2kub3JnLzEwLjExNzcvMTM2NzU0OTQwNDA0NzE0Ng-- |work=European Journal of Cultural Studies |title=The pleasures and pains of Pikachu |last=Jordan |first=Tim |year=2004 |publisher=SAGE Publications |page=11 |accessdate=September 21, 2024 }}</ref>

Butterfree's design, particularly in relation to its previous forms, has been the subject of discussion by critics. An [[urban legend]] for the ''Pokémon'' franchise exists which argues that Butterfree and [[Venomoth]] were originally meant to be part of each other's respective evolutionary lines. ''GamesRadar+'' writer Ashley Reed suggested that the theory had credence due to dissimilarities between Butterfree and Metapod, as well as similarities between it and [[Venonat]], the first form of Venomoth. In particular, she argued that the similar color and compound eyes between Butterfree and Venonat demonstrates this apparent connection.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-weirdest-theories-about-pokemon-universe/ |title=The weirdest theories about the Pokemon universe |work=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=Reed |first=Ashley |date=October 13, 2017 |accessdate=September 19, 2024 |archive-date=October 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007145923/https://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-weirdest-theories-about-pokemon-universe/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Magmix'' staff agreed on this, stating that certain features of Butterfree's, including its fangs, antennae, eyes, and hand shape are nearly identical to Venonat's, while Venomoth's three-pronged horn and eyes seemed to relate more to Butterfree's previous forms.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://magmix.jp/post/155822 |title=『ポケモン』ファンがツッコんだ「設定ミス」疑惑 レベル51で「にらみつける」なぜ？ |work=Magmix |date=May 12, 2023 |accessdate=September 19, 2024 |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919192744/https://magmix.jp/post/155822 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ''Inside Games'' writer Sawadee Otsuka, people have speculated that the similarities between them caused them to not be featured in the same game together after appearing together in ''Gold'' and ''Silver''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2023/03/26/144894.html |title=『ポケモンSV』キャタピー族と"ずかん共演NG"説も！？実は約23年ぶりに掲載されていたコンパン |work=Inside Games |last=Otsuka |first=Sawadee |date=March 26, 2023 |accessdate=September 20, 2024 |archive-date=March 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319225509/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2023/03/26/144894.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/butterfree Butterfree on Pokemon.com]
* {{Bulbapedia}}

{{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}}
{{Pokémon}}

[[Category:Fictional butterflies and moths]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can change size]]
[[Category:Pokémon introduced in generation I]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with air or wind abilities]]