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