Wisconsin Native Caterpillars
Compton Tortoiseshell Caterpillar
Genus-Species: Nymphalis vaualbum
Description: Upperside is orange-brown with
darker wing bases and black spots; a single white spot on leading edge of each wing.
Underside is mottled gray and brown, with dark bases and borders; hindwing with
small white V at outer end of cell.
Host Plants: Aspen and Cottonwood (Populus species),
Willows (Salix species) and Paper birch or White birch (Betula papyrifera)
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands, especially trails,
openings, and woodland edges.
Comments: Although found throughout the state, the
Compton Tortoiseshell is more common in the northern counties.