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Wisconsin Native Caterpillars

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillar

Acadian Hairstreak Caterpillar

Genus-Species: Satyrium acadica

Host Plants: Various willow species including black willow (Salix nigra) and silk willow (Salix sericea).

Habitat: Wetland areas, especially marshes, with an abundance of willow, the host plant of this species.

Comments: The Acadian Hairstreak often perches on the tops of vegetation, usually near a good patch of willows, its host plant. This makes fresh, light gray Acadian Hairstreaks often easy to spot.

Adult Acadian Hairstreak Butterfly Profile
Bog Fritillary, Boloria eunomia
Caterpillar Anatomy: A Tutorial

Caterpillars come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Some caterpillars are quite hairy, while others are smooth. Despite differences between species, though, all caterpillars share certain morphological features.

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Caterpillar Quiz

Take this quick quiz and see how much you know about caterpillars. This quiz is intended for fun, in a random-facts-can-be-cool kind of way.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus
How Caterpillars Change Into Butterflies

How does this magic happen? Learn about metamorphosis - the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult bitterfly.

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