14 Pokémon Based On Bizarre Real Life Creatures

4. Caterpie Is An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar

What Is It?

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar is, surprisingly enough, the immature form of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly. The caterpillar with its bright green colouring, fake eyes and orange forked "tongue" that shoots out when it is disturbed, is essentially cosplaying as a tiny, stubby snake in an attempt to deter birds from eating it.

Fun Fact:

As well as doing its best impression of a snake, the caterpillar takes on another appearance to protect it from becoming lunch. In its early days, before turning bright green, its skin is a murky brown colour in order to make it look like a bit of bird poop. To really round off the unpleasantness, this guy, much like Caterpie, will also release a foul smelling substance when threatened.