icycatelf
Alex
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- Age 33
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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 & IVYSAUR
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
SQUIRTLE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Squirtle is based on young pond turtles. (Box turtles are members of the American pond turtle family.)
CATERPIE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Caterpie is based on swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.
BUTTERFREE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Butterfree appears to be based on the Pierinae subfamily of butterflies, also known as "Whites."
(NOTE: It seems to draw more specific inspiration from the Black-Veined White, but I like to imagine that all Whites would translate into Butterfree.)
WEEDLE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
KAKUNA
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
BEEDRILL (SHINY)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
While based on an Asian giant hornet, Beedrill's green and blue Shiny palette may draw inspiration from cuckoo wasps (aka emerald wasps).
PIDGEY
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Though it could be based on a variety of small birds, Pidgey bears a striking resemblance to the Carolina wren.
RATTATA
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Rattata is esentially the common field mouse of the Pokémon world.
EKANS
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Ekans seems to combine features of various snakes. The pattern on its body may have been inspired by ringneck snakes.
PICHU & PIKACHU
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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 & PARASECT
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
VENONAT
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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 & PERSIAN
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
ARCANINE (SHINY)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Arcanine's Shiny palette may be a nod to Golden Retrievers.
POLIWAG & POLIWHIRL
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
ABRA
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
ONIX (SHINY)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Onix seems to draw inspiration from earthworms, given its snake-like body and soil diet. Its Shiny form may be based on green earthworms.
LICKITUNG
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Lickitung seems to be based on lungless salamanders, many of which have projectile tongues (like a chameleon) and can secrete irritating substances.
KOFFING
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
TANGELA
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Tangela is based on tangled vines, possibly leafless, parasitic vines such as the dodder (aka hairweed and witch's hair).
SCYTHER
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
PINSIR
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Pinsir is based on stag beetles.
DITTO (SHINY)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
OMANYTE (HELIX FOSSIL)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
The Helix Fossil (Omanyte) is based on ammonoid, ancient spiral-shelled squid, fossils.
MEGANIUM
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
SPINARAK
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Spinarak is based on spiders with face-like abdominal markings.
ARIADOS
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.)
HOPPIP, SKIPLOOM, & JUMPLUFF
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
This family is based on the life cycle of a dandelion.
YANMA (SHINY)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
While based on the Banded Darter dragonfly, Yanma's Shiny palette may draw inspiration from the Blue Dasher (or blue dragonflies in general).
WOOPER (SHINY)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
MURKROW
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Murkrow is based on crows.
PINECO
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Visually based on a pine cone, Pineco's Bug-typing and catergory are based on bagworms (whose cases may superficially resemble pine cones).
FORRETRESS
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Though it more closely resembles a giant clam, Forretress may also draw inspiration from nut-dwelling worms. It also somewhat resembles a walnut.
DUNSPARCE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.)
GLIGAR
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Gligar's design seems to be a pun on "scorpionfly."
SHUCKLE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
HERACROSS (MEGA)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Mega Heracross is based on Hercules Beetles.
BEAUTIFLY
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.)
DUSTOX
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Dustox is believed to be based on the Japanese Moon Moth, a close relative and lookalike of the American Luna Moth pictured here.
SEEDOT & NUZLEAF
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seedot is based on acorns, while Nuzleaf may represent an oak seedling.
SURSKIT
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Surskit is based on a water strider nymph.
MASQUERAIN
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Masquerain represents the winged adult stage of a water strider, though it also seems to draw inspiration from damselflies and moths with eyespots.
NINCADA, NINJASK, & SHEDINJA
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
This family is based on the life cycle of a cicada: nymph, adult, and shed skin.
VOLBEAT
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Volbeat is based on male fireflies.
BUDEW & ROSELIA
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Budew and Roselia are based on rose buds and roses.
TRAPINCH
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
VIBRAVA
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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."
FLYGON
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Flygon represents the adult stage of an antlion. Its Dragon-typing and association with sandstorms may be a pun on "sanddragon" dragonflies.
SWABLU
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Swablu is believed to have been based on bluebirds.
CORPHISH & CRAWDAUNT
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Corphish and Crawdaunt are based on crayfish.
LILEEP (ROOT FOSSIL)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
The Root Fossil (Lileep) is based on crinoid—or "sea lily"—fossils.
(NOTE: This isn't a whole specimen, just the stalk.)
STARLY
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Starly is based on fledgling starlings.
KRICKETOT & KRICKETUNE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Kricketot and Kricketune are based on crickets, possibly Red-Headed Bush Crickets.
BURMY, WORMADAM, & MOTHIM
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
COMBEE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Combee is based on honey bees.
YANMEGA
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Yanmega draws inspiration from the Darner family of dragonflies.
LEAFEON & GLACEON
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user] (family pet)
Leafeon and Glaceon share similarities with colorpoint cats.
SNIVY & SERVINE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
PURRLOIN
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user] (family pet)
Purrloin appears to be based on bicolor (tuxedo) cats. The white marks above its eyes suggest that it may be based on tuxedo tabbies.
PIDOVE & TRANQUILL
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Pidove and Tranquill draw inspiration from the Columbidae family of birds. Pidove more closely resembles a pigeon while Tranquill more closely resembles a dove.
TYMPOLE, PALPITOAD, & SEISMITOAD
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
This family is based on the life cycle of a toad.
SEWADDLE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Sewaddle is believed to draw visual inspiration from Silver-Spotted Skipper caterpillars.
WHIRLIPEDE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Whirlipede is based on the defensive or resting position of a millipede.
LILLIGANT
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Lilligant is based on lilies. Since it evolves via Sun Stone, it may be based on daylilies.
MINCCINO
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user] (family pet)
Minccino is based on chinchillas.
VANILLITE, VANILLISH, & VANILLUXE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
This family is based on snow and icicles, but stylized to resemble ice cream.
DEERLING
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Deerling is based on a deer fawn.
KARRABLAST
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Karrablast is based on ground beetles (Carabidae) that eat snails.
JOLTIK
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Though its behavior is based on a tick, Joltik's appearance may draw more inspiration from baby tarantulas (not pictured) or jumping spiders.
FERROSEED
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Ferroseed seems to be based on cockelburs.
FERROTHORN
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Ferrothorn may be based on briers.
SHELMET
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Shelmet is based on snails (or at least representative of them).
MANDIBUZZ
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Mandibuzz is based on vultures.
VOLCARONA (SHINY)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Shiny Volcarona's spotted yellow wings bring to mind Imperial Moths, a type of giant silkmoth.
FLETCHLING, FLETCHINDER, & TALONFLAME
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.)
NOIBAT
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Noibat is based on the vespertilionid family of microbats.
ZYGARDE CELL
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Zygarde cells are believed to be based on planarian flatworms.
(Do you see the derpy face?)
LITTEN & TORRACAT
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user] (family pet)
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Litten and Torracat are based on tabby cats. The line as a whole may be a visual pun on "tiger cat," another name for mackerel/fishbone tabbies.
PIKIPEK
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Pikipek is based on woodpeckers.
CUTIEFLY & RIBOMBEE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
ROCKRUFF
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user] (family pet)
Rockruff is based on Spitz breeds.
MORELULL
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Morelull seems to draw inspiration from "bonnet" mushrooms (Mycena), some of which exhibit bioluminescence. It gets its English name from morels.
SALANDIT
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Salandit is based on newts.
WIMPOD
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Wimpod is based on rock slaters (Ligiidae).
BUZZWOLE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Buzzwole is based on invasive mosquitoes.
SKWOVET
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Skwovet is based on the eastern grey squirrel, which is invasive in the UK.
BLIPBUG, DOTTLER, & ORBEETLE
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
This line is based on the life cycle of a lady beetle (more specifically, the seven-spotted lady beetle).
CHEWTLE & DREDNAW
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Drednaw is based on snapping turtles.
SIZZLIPEDE & CENTISKORCH
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Sizzlipede and Centiskorch seem to be visual puns on "fire centipede."
BOLTUND
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Boltund is based on foxhounds.
ROLYCOLY
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Rolycoly is based on coal.
FALINKS
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Falinks may be a visual pun on an "admiral caterpillar."
FROSMOTH
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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?
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 & IVYSAUR
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
SQUIRTLE
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Squirtle is based on young pond turtles. (Box turtles are members of the American pond turtle family.)
CATERPIE
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Caterpie is based on swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.
BUTTERFREE
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Butterfree appears to be based on the Pierinae subfamily of butterflies, also known as "Whites."
(NOTE: It seems to draw more specific inspiration from the Black-Veined White, but I like to imagine that all Whites would translate into Butterfree.)
WEEDLE
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
KAKUNA
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
BEEDRILL (SHINY)
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
While based on an Asian giant hornet, Beedrill's green and blue Shiny palette may draw inspiration from cuckoo wasps (aka emerald wasps).
PIDGEY
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Though it could be based on a variety of small birds, Pidgey bears a striking resemblance to the Carolina wren.
RATTATA
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Rattata is esentially the common field mouse of the Pokémon world.
EKANS
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Ekans seems to combine features of various snakes. The pattern on its body may have been inspired by ringneck snakes.
PICHU & PIKACHU
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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 & PARASECT
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
VENONAT
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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 & PERSIAN
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
ARCANINE (SHINY)
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Arcanine's Shiny palette may be a nod to Golden Retrievers.
POLIWAG & POLIWHIRL
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
ABRA
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
ONIX (SHINY)
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Onix seems to draw inspiration from earthworms, given its snake-like body and soil diet. Its Shiny form may be based on green earthworms.
LICKITUNG
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Lickitung seems to be based on lungless salamanders, many of which have projectile tongues (like a chameleon) and can secrete irritating substances.
KOFFING
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
TANGELA
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Tangela is based on tangled vines, possibly leafless, parasitic vines such as the dodder (aka hairweed and witch's hair).
SCYTHER
Spoiler:
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
PINSIR
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Pinsir is based on stag beetles.
DITTO (SHINY)
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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.
OMANYTE (HELIX FOSSIL)
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The Helix Fossil (Omanyte) is based on ammonoid, ancient spiral-shelled squid, fossils.
MEGANIUM
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
SPINARAK
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Spinarak is based on spiders with face-like abdominal markings.
ARIADOS
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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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
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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.)
HOPPIP, SKIPLOOM, & JUMPLUFF
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This family is based on the life cycle of a dandelion.
YANMA (SHINY)
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While based on the Banded Darter dragonfly, Yanma's Shiny palette may draw inspiration from the Blue Dasher (or blue dragonflies in general).
WOOPER (SHINY)
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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
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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).
MURKROW
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Murkrow is based on crows.
PINECO
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Visually based on a pine cone, Pineco's Bug-typing and catergory are based on bagworms (whose cases may superficially resemble pine cones).
FORRETRESS
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Though it more closely resembles a giant clam, Forretress may also draw inspiration from nut-dwelling worms. It also somewhat resembles a walnut.
DUNSPARCE
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.)
GLIGAR
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Gligar's design seems to be a pun on "scorpionfly."
SHUCKLE
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.
HERACROSS (MEGA)
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Mega Heracross is based on Hercules Beetles.
BEAUTIFLY
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.)
DUSTOX
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Dustox is believed to be based on the Japanese Moon Moth, a close relative and lookalike of the American Luna Moth pictured here.
SEEDOT & NUZLEAF
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Seedot is based on acorns, while Nuzleaf may represent an oak seedling.
SURSKIT
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Surskit is based on a water strider nymph.
MASQUERAIN
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Masquerain represents the winged adult stage of a water strider, though it also seems to draw inspiration from damselflies and moths with eyespots.
NINCADA, NINJASK, & SHEDINJA
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
This family is based on the life cycle of a cicada: nymph, adult, and shed skin.
VOLBEAT
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Volbeat is based on male fireflies.
BUDEW & ROSELIA
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Budew and Roselia are based on rose buds and roses.
TRAPINCH
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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.
VIBRAVA
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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."
FLYGON
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Flygon represents the adult stage of an antlion. Its Dragon-typing and association with sandstorms may be a pun on "sanddragon" dragonflies.
SWABLU
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Swablu is believed to have been based on bluebirds.
CORPHISH & CRAWDAUNT
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Corphish and Crawdaunt are based on crayfish.
LILEEP (ROOT FOSSIL)
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The Root Fossil (Lileep) is based on crinoid—or "sea lily"—fossils.
(NOTE: This isn't a whole specimen, just the stalk.)
STARLY
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Starly is based on fledgling starlings.
KRICKETOT & KRICKETUNE
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Kricketot and Kricketune are based on crickets, possibly Red-Headed Bush Crickets.
BURMY, WORMADAM, & MOTHIM
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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).
COMBEE
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Combee is based on honey bees.
YANMEGA
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Yanmega draws inspiration from the Darner family of dragonflies.
LEAFEON & GLACEON
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Leafeon and Glaceon share similarities with colorpoint cats.
SNIVY & SERVINE
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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.
PURRLOIN
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Purrloin appears to be based on bicolor (tuxedo) cats. The white marks above its eyes suggest that it may be based on tuxedo tabbies.
PIDOVE & TRANQUILL
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Pidove and Tranquill draw inspiration from the Columbidae family of birds. Pidove more closely resembles a pigeon while Tranquill more closely resembles a dove.
TYMPOLE, PALPITOAD, & SEISMITOAD
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
This family is based on the life cycle of a toad.
SEWADDLE
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Sewaddle is believed to draw visual inspiration from Silver-Spotted Skipper caterpillars.
WHIRLIPEDE
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Whirlipede is based on the defensive or resting position of a millipede.
LILLIGANT
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Lilligant is based on lilies. Since it evolves via Sun Stone, it may be based on daylilies.
MINCCINO
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Minccino is based on chinchillas.
VANILLITE, VANILLISH, & VANILLUXE
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This family is based on snow and icicles, but stylized to resemble ice cream.
DEERLING
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Deerling is based on a deer fawn.
KARRABLAST
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Karrablast is based on ground beetles (Carabidae) that eat snails.
JOLTIK
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Though its behavior is based on a tick, Joltik's appearance may draw more inspiration from baby tarantulas (not pictured) or jumping spiders.
FERROSEED
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Ferroseed seems to be based on cockelburs.
FERROTHORN
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Ferrothorn may be based on briers.
SHELMET
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Shelmet is based on snails (or at least representative of them).
MANDIBUZZ
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Mandibuzz is based on vultures.
VOLCARONA (SHINY)
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Shiny Volcarona's spotted yellow wings bring to mind Imperial Moths, a type of giant silkmoth.
FLETCHLING, FLETCHINDER, & TALONFLAME
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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.)
NOIBAT
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Noibat is based on the vespertilionid family of microbats.
ZYGARDE CELL
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Zygarde cells are believed to be based on planarian flatworms.
(Do you see the derpy face?)
LITTEN & TORRACAT
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Litten and Torracat are based on tabby cats. The line as a whole may be a visual pun on "tiger cat," another name for mackerel/fishbone tabbies.
PIKIPEK
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Pikipek is based on woodpeckers.
CUTIEFLY & RIBOMBEE
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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).
ROCKRUFF
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Rockruff is based on Spitz breeds.
MORELULL
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Morelull seems to draw inspiration from "bonnet" mushrooms (Mycena), some of which exhibit bioluminescence. It gets its English name from morels.
SALANDIT
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Salandit is based on newts.
WIMPOD
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Wimpod is based on rock slaters (Ligiidae).
BUZZWOLE
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Buzzwole is based on invasive mosquitoes.
SKWOVET
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Skwovet is based on the eastern grey squirrel, which is invasive in the UK.
BLIPBUG, DOTTLER, & ORBEETLE
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
This line is based on the life cycle of a lady beetle (more specifically, the seven-spotted lady beetle).
CHEWTLE & DREDNAW
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
Drednaw is based on snapping turtles.
SIZZLIPEDE & CENTISKORCH
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Sizzlipede and Centiskorch seem to be visual puns on "fire centipede."
BOLTUND
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Boltund is based on foxhounds.
ROLYCOLY
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Rolycoly is based on coal.
FALINKS
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Falinks may be a visual pun on an "admiral caterpillar."
FROSMOTH
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Seen by [user]icycatelf[/user]
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?
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