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.

4117. Zoroark

Copyright 2011

Zoroark (Japanese: ゾロアーク Zoroark) is a Dark-type Pokémon.
It evolves from Zorua starting at level 30.
Zoroark, along with its pre-evolution, Zorua, were the first Generation V Pokémon to be revealed to the public, on February 10, 2010. Zoroark was first revealed as a silhouette before being revealed in full.

Zoroark is a bipedal fox-like Pokémon, and mainly grayish-brown in coloration with crimson and black accents. It has a pointed snout and ears, the insides of which have red coloration. Zoroark also has some red rimming its eyes and mouth. Zoroark has a large, voluminous mane, primarily red in coloration but with black tips. The mane also somewhat resembles a ponytail, as a teal bangle down its length separates a mass of the mane from the lower portion. Zoroark has a black ruff on its upper body, pointed at the shoulders from which its arms extend. Its upper arms are thin, whereas its lower arms, while still slim, are bulkier. The arms have spiky extensions of fur at the elbows, and Zoroark's three claws, as well as the claws on its feet, are red in coloration.

Zoroark are capable of creating illusions that are indistinguishable from reality, deluding many people simultaneously. However, unlike Pokémon that are able to Transform, Zoroark is incapable of physically changing itself into another form; it is merely capable of casting illusions. Thus, Zoroark's type and stats do not change when casting an illusion, and it is unable to use the moves or abilities of the Pokémon that it is pretending to be. They can, however, make convincing illusions of attacks, and these illusions are extremely realistic, to the point that even cameras are fooled and one may believe they're being physically affected, though the illusion does not have any direct physical effect. Zoroark, along with its pre-evolution, are the only Pokémon capable of learning Night Daze.

Zoroark live in groups, where unity is strong. They are extremely protective of those they care about and are willing to go to any lengths to keep them safe, including risking their own life, and also hold grudges on those who harm their loved ones. Zoroark has the ability to create illusions to confuse foes, and will even create illusory landscapes to hide its territory. Zoroark apparently will hide their Zorua young in their mane to protect them and carry them around.

Zoroark appears to live in forests, and will create an illusory landscape to protect its den. One particular Zoroark resides in Lostlorn Forest, using its illusions to betwitch both Trainers and Pokémon to protect its lair.