Whether your favorite Pokémon is popular like Charizard, an outlier like Rhyhorn, or misunderstood like Mimikyu, we can all agree that every Pokémon is someone’s favorite. But did you ever stop to think about what inspired these perfect little pocket monsters? Many of the Pokémon we know and love were inspired by the natural world around us. Let’s take a dive into some fan favorites.
Charizard - Draco Lizards
Despite looking much like the European dragon, these guys are classified in the Pokedex as a lizard Pokémon. Did you know there is such a thing as a flying lizard? These little critters are called “draco lizards” - with draco being the Latin word for dragon. Seems fitting, right?
While they can’t truly fly, these mini little dragon-lizards have elongated ribs which are attached to extra skin flaps that allow them to leap and glide through the air, appearing to fly. In fact, they are able to go as far as 200 feet in one leap, which is quite the distance when you consider the fact that they are only 8 inches in length!
Rhyhorn - Greater One-Horned Rhinos
He may not be everyone’s favorite, but he is mine, so of course I had to add him into this list! While not an exact match, his name implies that he is based on the rhinoceros. Did you know there are 5 different species? Since Rhyhorn only has one horn and seems to be covered in armour, it seems he is most likely based on the Greater One-Horned Rhino specifically.
All 5 species of rhino are unfortunately endangered due to illegal poaching of their horns. Horns are made out of keratin and just like our hair and finger nails, can be safely trimmed without harming the animal! While Rhyhorn only gets to be about 250 pounds, Greater One-Horned Rhinos can get up to about 6,000 pounds.
Mudkip - Mudskippers
This quirky little Pokémon is quite a conundrum, with gills like a fish but living above the water a majority of the time. But did you know the mudskipper is the same? Both are known for thriving in muddy, wet environments, and they can move on land despite being water-dwelling creatures. While mudskippers use their fins like little legs to hop across mudflats, Mudkip uses its strong legs and powerful tail to navigate both land and water.
Mudskippers are unique fish that not only can survive for long periods of time out of the water, but can also walk! They utilize their pectoral fins as makeshift “feet” to do what’s called crutching. The uniqueness doesn’t end there, though. These guys also have independent eyes, meaning they can be looking in two different places at once!
Kyogre - Orca
Being a sea-based Pokémon, having sharp teeth, and having fake eye patches, it is a given that Kyogre is based on the orca whale! Both are powerful marine dwellers known for their intelligence, strength, and dominance in ocean ecosystems.
While Kyogre has the move “winding waves,” real-life orcas will also use their massive size to make waves to catch their prey by flipping the ice they rest on. Not only this, but orcas have approximately 45 sharp teeth in their mouths, which allow them to quickly capture their prey once the wave has done its job.
Caterpie - Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar
While not necessarily the best fighter, this cutie is definitely a classic that many fans instantly recognize. But did you know there is a real caterpillar that looks almost identical?! There is little doubt that Caterpie is based on the Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar.
These guys are masters of disguise, resembling a birds dropping when freshly hatched and then mimicking a snakes eyes as they grow. When mimicry fails, the also have a Y-shaped, orange, retractable organ that it can push out from behind its head when disturbed. It emits a foul odor to deter predators and is a surprising defense mechanism.
Comparing Pokémon to real animals reminds us just how inspiring the natural world truly is. While these fictional creatures dazzle us with powers, colors, and abilities beyond reality, their roots often lie in the behaviors, adaptations, and quirks of species that already share our planet. By recognizing these connections, we not only deepen our appreciation for Pokémon design, but also spark curiosity about the remarkable animals that inspired them. Whether you’re a lifelong trainer or simply someone who loves nature, there’s wonder waiting in both worlds — all you have to do is look a little closer. Want more content like this? Follow along!
