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Wisconsin Native Caterpillars

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillar

Common Sootywing Caterpillar

Genus-Species: Pholisora catullus

Description: The caterpillars have a black head and a pale green body with light flecks.

Chrysalis: Light brown to dark brown with a grayish bloom over much of the body.

Host Plants: Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), amaranths (Amaranthus), and cockscomb (Celosia).

Habitat: Open or disturbed areas such as landfills, vacant lots, gardens, roadsides, fields, and pastures.

Comments: Green caterpillar with black head and narrow black "collar."

Adult Common Sootywing 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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