Metapod

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

Appearance
Metapod is an insect-like Pokémon with an appearance similar to that of a green colored chrysalis or cocoon. Although it is covered in its hard shell, Metapod's eyes are still clearly visible and usually appear dazed or drowsy for reasons unknown.

Special abilities
Metapod have the ability Shed Skin which allows for a 1/3 chance that a harmful status effect will be dropped every turn. A Metapod's exterior is regularly hardened to protect its soft and tender innards while undergoing metamorphosis to eventually become a Butterfree. To conserve energy for this event, the Metapod barely moves.

In the anime series
Metapod first debuted in the anime episode Ash Catches a Pokémon when Ash Ketchum's Caterpie quickly evolved into a Metapod near the episode's end. In the episode Challenge of the Samurai, Ash battled a Samurai-like trainer using his Metapod against the Samurai's Metapod. Gym Leader Bugsy used his own Metapod against Ash in the episode Gettin' the Bugs Out. This Metapod proved to be more capable than others in previous episodes as it was actually able to knock out Ash's Chikorita.

Origins
Metapod appears to be based on a cocoon by a catepillar.

Name Origins

 * English: Metapod came from metamorphosis and pod.
 * Japanese: トランセル (Toranseru in Romaji), probably means "trancer" due to evolving from Caterpie to Metapod, or "trance cell" because every cell in its body tranced.

Trivia

 * Despite being immobile, Metapod can still learn Tackle and Bug Bite.
 * Metapod, Kakuna, Silcoon, and Cascoon are all known as the Cocoon Pokémon.