Have you ever encountered the real-world inspiration behind a Pokémon, or at least something that reminded you greatly of one? Please share your stories and/or photos with us! (Your photos must not exceed 500 pixels wide or tall (whichever is smaller) to be included in this list.)
Also, feel free to share photos you've taken of things that you feel could/should get Pokémon based on them in the future.
Bulbasaur and Ivysaur were confirmed in an interview to be based on frogs (possibly tree frogs given their Grass typing). Their polygonal spots resemble those on some toxic frogs.
Weedle represents the larval stage of a wasp. It also has characteristics of stinging caterpillars, called "kemushi" in Japan (which is also Weedle's Japanese category).
While is appearance may be based on wasp or bee pupae in general, Kakuna's characteristic of dangling from a silk thread (as seen in the anime and some side games) seems to have been inspired by hanging parasitoid wasp cocoons.
Pikachu was confirmed to draw inspiration from squirrels, particularly its tail and cheek pouches. Since tree squirrels don't have cheek pouches, Pikachu may draw inspiration from chipmunks (aka "striped squirrels" in Japan) or visually similar ground squirrels. (The upright position of Pikachu's tail while running is more consistent with chipmunks.)
Pichu and several other "Pika-clones" may have similar origins.
Paras and Parasect are based on insects that have fallen victim to parasitic fungi. The base insect appears to be a cicada nymph (see Nincada), though Parasect also bears an uncanny resemblance to velvet mites (see Venonat).
The fact that it oozes poison and has a body covered with stiff, protective hairs, combined with the fact that it evolves into a moth, suggests that Venonat may draw some inspiration from venomous caterpillars. (Megalopyge-genus caterpillars are particularly round.) It also seems to share characteristics with mites.
Venomoth seems to combine the idea of toxic moths (tiger moths) with the appearance of toxic swallowtail butterflies, such as the Pipevine Swallowtail (which may explain its Shiny colors).
(NOTE: This is a Spicebush Swallowtail, a mimic of the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail. However, according to author Phillip J. Schappert, there's indication that even this species may be distasteful.)
Meowth and Persian draw inspiration from Siamese cats (the latter also drawing inspiration from pumas).
While only Meowth has the color-tipped feet and tail characteristic of Siamese cats, Persian is classified as a Siamese Cat (Shamuneko) Pokémon in the Japanese games.
Poliwag is based on a frog tadpole with hindlegs. The spiral on its belly represents the entrails that may be seen through the transparent bellies of tadpoles, especially younger ones. Poliwhirl could be interpreted as a metamorph froglet/tadpole with all four limbs (despite lacking a tail), Poliwrath a froglet, and Politoed an adult frog.
Like Abra, the North American opossum sleeps approximately 18 hours a day. This may be more than coincidence, given the rat-like tail of Abra's earliest sprites. It also seems to share characteristics with foxes (not pictured).
While it could be based on a virus pathogen, a chemical weapon, or air pollution, Koffing also seems to share similarities with false puffball slime molds (a type of amoeba). Not only do they both have a round body, lumpy texture, and spew a smoke-like fog, but false puffballs also feed on bacteria (mentioned in some of Weezing's 'dex entries) and can split themselves into clones (much like how Koffing grows and extra head when it evolves).
Scyther is based on the Japanese Giant Mantis. While these don't occur in the US, the Chinese Mantis (North America's largest mantid) belongs to the same genus and was once considered part of the same species.
Ditto's blob-like form and ability to change its shape into anything is reminiscent of modeling clay. Considering this, its Shiny palette may have been based on naturally occurring "blue" clay.
Maganium seems to combine elements of various flowers, which may include hibiscuses (as well as amaryllises and/or, more distinctly, Titum arum). Its name is derived from geraniums.
Ariados appears to draw inspiration from various spiders, especially orb-weavers. Its erect "hind legs" are reminiscent of the horns seen on spiny orb-weavers (Gasteracantha or Micrathena). Its name may be derived from the Ariadna genus of spiders.
Togepi seems to be based on an egg, especially one with spots. (Togetic, as its Japanese name suggests, may be based on a chick while Togekiss seems to be based on an adult bird, though it's unclear if they're based on any species in particular. They also have characteristics of fairies and angels, respectively.)
Wooper is based on the larval stage of a salamander. Its Shiny form resembles pale, newly-hatched larvae (though it may be more specifically based on an axolotl).
Umbreon seems to be based on black cats. Several TCG cards suggest that Umbreon is more cat-like than other speculated origins (such as foxes and rabbits).
Dunsparce is based on the Tsuchinoko cryptid of Japan (aka "bee snake," hence Dunsparce's bee-like qualities). While this snake-like creature has yet to be proven to exist, hornworms (sphinx/hawk moth caterpillars) are among the creatures sometimes mistaken for it.
The hoop snake is essentially America's version of the Tsuchinoko. Long rumored to give chase to humans, some believe that racers (along with other colubrids) may have inspired tales of this cryptid. (Hoop snake is one of the black racer's common names.)
Shuckle seems to combine elements of various unrelated organisms. Given its category as the Mold Pokémon, it may draw some inspiration from slime molds with "tentacles." Based on its Bug-typing, Shuckle is also thought to draw inspiration from shelled scale insects that, similar to Shuckle's creation of Berry Juice, secrete a sweet honeydew.
Beautifly is based on swallowtail butterflies, while the darker side of its behavior may have been inspired by The Calyptra-genus of moths (aka "vampire moths").
(NOTE: Although this Calyptra-genus moth, the Canadian owlet, has yet to be scientifically proven to feed on blood, there have been claims of it biting.)
Trapinch is based on the larval stage of an antlion, also known as doodlebugs. The move Sand Tomb is based on the sand pit traps created by these insects.
While representative of an adult antlion, Vibrava appears to draw more visual inspiration from mayflies. This may be a reference to the Japanese word for an adult antlion translating "thin-winged mayfly."
This family is based on the life-cycle of a bagworm, many species only maturing into flying moths if male while the larviform female stays inside her bag. However, Mothim seems to combine elements of various moths, including death's-head hawkmoths (not pictured).
While their names and pointed snouts suggest they draw inspiration from vine snakes, Snivy and Servine's Pokédex category and lack of a Poison-typing suggest that they may draw inspiration from grass snakes (another name for greensnakes) as well.
Pidove and Tranquill draw inspiration from the Columbidae family of birds. Pidove more closely resembles a pigeon while Tranquill more closely resembles a dove.
Fletchling and Fletchinder are based on robins. Fletchinder and Talonflame also bear some resemblance to cardinals (though waxwings are more likely), the latter further incorporating hawk and/or falcon features.
(NOTE: While the American robin above isn't a "true" robin, it's associated with fire—like this line—in North American mythology.)
Cutiefly and Ribimbee are based on bee flies. Ribombee may be based specifically on the Greater Bee Fly, being larger in size and having a dark patch (its scarf).
While its silhouette more closely resembles an Indian Moon Moth (not pictured), Frosmoth's Chinese names suggest that may also draw inspiration from flannel moths. Its translucent wings may have been based on clearwing moths, which lose most of their scales during their first flight.
Also, just for fun, what would your Pokémon team look like based on things you’ve encountered IRL?
bobandbill
October 13th, 2019 5:48 AM
Quite the list! Seems well researched too.
Focusing just on those based on animals? Some of the inanimate ones might be rather straightforward, but then there's stuff like me seeing the bell Bronzong is based on in a museum years back, which was pretty neat.
Sheep
October 13th, 2019 5:50 AM
this is really cool
icycatelf
October 13th, 2019 8:11 AM
Added Scolipede.
Scolipede is believed to be based on the Scolopendra genus of centipedes, such as the Amazonian Giant Centipede. However, given the absence of this genus in New York and Scolipede's presence in Unova (a region based on New York), Scolipede could be interpreted as a general representation of Scolopendromorphs (bark centipedes, which includes Scolopendra). It may also represent centipedes as a whole.
Scolipede's Japanese name, Pendror, is also believed to come from Scolopendra. However, this spelling is closer to Scolopendromorph, further supporting that Scolipede may be a general representation of bark centipedes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobandbill
(Post 10077517)
Quite the list! Seems well researched too.
Focusing just on those based on animals? Some of the inanimate ones might be rather straightforward, but then there's stuff like me seeing the bell Bronzong is based on in a museum years back, which was pretty neat.
I've also got some plants up there. I'm only focusing on things I've found in the wild, so I probably won't be adding any Pokémon based on man-made objects like Chimecho. However, come snowy weather I might take some pictures of snow-capped icicles for the Vanillite line.
How cool!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sheep
(Post 10077518)
this is really cool
I'm glad you enjoy it!
Have you seen any "Pokémon" IRL?
Sheep
October 13th, 2019 11:35 AM
I assume I haven't seen any exciting ones other than obvious connections like Pidove/pigeon, but your thread makes me wonder just how many I may have missed. Dustox's inspiration is especially pretty, I had no idea its basis is such a beautiful-looking bug!
Despite its classification as a Centipede Pokémon, Whirlipede draws more inspiration from millipedes which, unlike centipedes, curl up when resting or if threatened.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sheep
(Post 10077588)
I assume I haven't seen any exciting ones other than obvious connections like Pidove/pigeon, but your thread makes me wonder just how many I may have missed. Dustox's inspiration is especially pretty, I had no idea its basis is such a beautiful-looking bug!
I hope this thread encourages more people to get out and make some discoveries!
I'm still disappointed that they didn't give Dustox those beautiful tails, despite its counterpart having them. My guess is that they wanted its wings to be more crescent-shaped, nodding to the "moon" in Moon Moth. It's a real shame that it didn't get a Mega in ORAS, which could've included the tails.
alisaie
October 13th, 2019 5:40 PM
I was going to come in here and joke that I've seen a Kadabra (my cat) but man this is actually really amazing that you actually take your time to research and do all of this! Impressive!
icycatelf
October 15th, 2019 7:44 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ash
(Post 10077650)
I was going to come in here and joke that I've seen a Kadabra (my cat) but man this is actually really amazing that you actually take your time to research and do all of this! Impressive!
Thanks!
Just out of curiosity, which cat (or cat-like) Pokémon does your cat remind you of the most? Mine's a grey longhair with tabby markings on his face (faint elsewhere), but I can't quite pin one down for him. I'm hoping that Meowth's rumored "spiky ball of grey fur" alt. evo for Sword/Shield will be a close match.
Fairy
October 16th, 2019 12:05 AM
Gotta really commend you for your effort here, Icy! If I conjure up any Pokémon comparable to irl animals I’ll be sure to contribute! :)
Soaring Sid
October 18th, 2019 10:09 PM
Superb, Icy! The Volcarona, Dustox, Starly and Flygon ones were excellent! Whirlipede, too! You really put a lot of time and effort into this, it seems. Thanks for sharing this.
icycatelf
October 20th, 2019 1:20 PM
Since I seem to be running out of IRL Pokémon to share, would you guys be interested in me sharing photos of things I think should be made into Pokémon? I could post maybe one per week to help keep the thread alive until the release of Sword & Shield. Off the top of my head, I can only think of six or so more current Pokémon whose real life counterparts I should be able to find around here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fairy
(Post 10078335)
Gotta really commend you for your effort here, Icy! If I conjure up any Pokémon comparable to irl animals I’ll be sure to contribute! :)
Thanks, and please do!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SidTheRiser07
(Post 10079201)
Superb, Icy! The Volcarona, Dustox, Starly and Flygon ones were excellent! Whirlipede, too! You really put a lot of time and effort into this, it seems. Thanks for sharing this.
Glad you enjoyed them! Flygon's one of my favorite entries here too. :D
Noblejanobii
October 20th, 2019 1:23 PM
Wow these are all so cool and well researched! So much diversity as well. One of us needs to find a hedgehog soon so Shaymin can get added to the list.
Fairy
October 20th, 2019 5:05 PM
You could always add the ancient Coelacanth to represent Relicanth! In fact, most, if not all marine Pokemon have a basis in irl animals. Octillery, Mantine, Gorebyss, Remoraid, Alomomola.. the list goes on and on.
Sandslash and Pangolins are very similar as well! :)
icycatelf
October 20th, 2019 5:47 PM
Added a better representation for Corphish/Crawdaunt, a red crayfish!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Noblejanobii
(Post 10079587)
Wow these are all so cool and well researched! So much diversity as well. One of us needs to find a hedgehog soon so Shaymin can get added to the list.
That would be sweet! One I won't likely be getting since there are sadly no native hedgehogs in the US.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fairy
(Post 10079637)
You could always add the ancient Coelacanth to represent Relicanth! In fact, most, if not all marine Pokemon have a basis in irl animals. Octillery, Mantine, Gorebyss, Remoraid, Alomomola.. the list goes on and on.
Sandslash and Pangolins are very similar as well! :)
I'm only adding things I've personally seen in the wild IRL. However, if you've seen these any of these (even in an aquarium, zoo, etc.) and have pics, please share!
How I wish we had pangolins here! Sandshrew and Sandslash were among my very first Pokémon toys, so it'd be really cool if I could find those IRL.
icycatelf
October 21st, 2019 6:03 AM
Added Lileep! I actually found this one a few years ago, but I was reluctant to add it since the fossil was missing the iconic crown (head). However, given that Mewtwo was created from a fossilized eyebrow and Aerodactyl from a preserved blood sample, I imagine that even just the stalk of a crinoid could be revived as Lileep.
Crinoids, aka sea lilies, are plant-like relatives of starfish.
Noblejanobii
October 21st, 2019 9:13 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by icycatelf
(Post 10079653)
That would be sweet! One I won't likely be getting since there are sadly no native hedgehogs in the US.
Oh boo that's true for me too. Maybe someone's pet hedgehog will do. XD
icycatelf
October 21st, 2019 1:39 PM
Legendary Pokémon spotted! Well, the cells of a Legendary Pokémon. :P
Though popularly believed to be based on the Hawaiian happy-face spider, Spinarak could be based on any number of spiders with face-like markings on their abdomen. This may include some jumping spiders, such as the bold jumper above, which share a similar body shape with Spinarak. Jumping spiders don't make webs like Spinarak, suggesting that Spinarak may draw inspiration from multiple spiders, but they still spin silk threads to help them get around.
I also added another contender for Ariados, a spotted orb-weaver.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hestia
(Post 10079851)
It seems nobody brought Poliwag up.
Also the tentacool family.
I've definitely seen "Poliwag." I've been meaning to get a pic of one's belly.
I've only seen one jelly in my whole life. It was washed up on the beach when we went on vacation YEARS ago. I wasn't a big fan of the beach so I haven't been to one since...
icycatelf
October 27th, 2019 6:28 AM
Added Murkrow and Morelull. I also swapped Spearow for Pidgey added a tick to Joltik's entry.
icycatelf
November 5th, 2019 9:27 AM
Added Forretress and replaced Pidgey with what I believe to be a more likely candidate.
LivingLegend1776
November 6th, 2019 2:43 AM
First post here..cool list. Looks like you did some good research. Props.
the Alolan naturalist
November 6th, 2019 4:58 PM
That is a super cool collection of pictures of wild things. Do you own the fossils? And are you like a researcher or nature guide or park ranger or something?
I'm surprised you don't have any dog pokemons or goldeen/seaking -or other fishes- on there ahah
icycatelf
November 6th, 2019 8:26 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by LivingLegend1776
(Post 10085162)
First post here..cool list. Looks like you did some good research. Props.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by the Alolan naturalist
(Post 10085384)
That is a super cool collection of pictures of wild things. Do you own the fossils? And are you like a researcher or nature guide or park ranger or something?
I'm surprised you don't have any dog pokemons or goldeen/seaking -or other fishes- on there ahah
Thanks! The fossils were found by me. I'm not a professional by any means, just an appreciator of nature (though I rarely venture past my own yard).
I was avoiding pets until recently (I originally just wanted to add things I've found in the wild/caught myself), but I suppose my dad's spitz could pass for Growlithe/Arcanine. As for fish, minnows are the only ones in my immediate area.
the Alolan naturalist
November 7th, 2019 4:04 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by icycatelf
(Post 10085431)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks! The fossils were found by me. I'm not a professional by any means, just an appreciator of nature (though I rarely venture past my own yard).
I was avoiding pets until recently (I originally just wanted to add things I've found in the wild/caught myself), but I suppose my dad's spitz could pass for Growlithe/Arcanine. As for fish, minnows are the only ones in my immediate area.
Well, could have fooled me! I really like the concept of this photo collection. I would say it's fair to add domesticated animals when that's what the pokemon is based on (goldeen, furfrou, etc.)