2543. Metapod

Metapod (Japanese: トランセル Trancell) is a Bug-type Pokémon.
It evolves from Caterpie starting at level 7 and evolves into Butterfree starting at level 10.

While Metapod is classified as a cocoon Pokémon, it bears more resemblance to a serpentine chrysalis. Its soft body is protected by a hard outer shell while it undergoes metamorphosis. While this shell is said to be as hard as steel, a large sudden impact could cause its vulnerable body to pop out, leaving it completely exposed. It shares many physiological and behavioral characteristics with Kakuna, Silcoon and Cascoon suggesting a possible relation between the four.

Metapod possess a very limited range of movement. However, by hardening their outer shell, they can protect themselves from most kinds of enemies.

In order to conserve as much energy as possible, Metapod generally remain motionless. They can be very difficult to spot in the wild, because their green coloration helps them blend in with the treetop canopies. If an enemy discovers Metapod, it is unable to do anything other than harden its outer shell. While this is enough to deter most predators, it does not offer complete protection, as the Metapod's insides remain soft and vulnerable. Its second line of defense is to drop out of the trees using String Shot. Because of its vulnerability, Metapod evolve rapidly into their final evolutionary stage.

Metapod can often be found in wooded areas, such as Viridian Forest. They dangle themselves from leafy canopies using String Shot. They can be found in Kanto and Johto with reports of them being seen in Sinnoh and Unova as well.

Metapod does not eat. It relies on the energy it stored as a Caterpie.