Wisconsin Native Caterpillars
Coral Hairstreak Caterpillar
Genus-Species: Satyrium titus
Description: The body is basically green. Both head
and tail are suffused with red, which enables the caterpillar to blend with Black Cherry leaves
and stems that are also suffused with red.
Chrysalis: Brown, flecked with black and covered
with very short hairs.
Host Plants: Wild cherry (Prunus species), American
plum (Prunus americana), Canadian plum (Prunus nigra) and Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana).
Habitat: Can be found in a variety of habitats where
Wild Cherry and Plum, the main host plants of this species, are found.
Comments: Like many of the Hairstreaks in Wisconsin,
you will seldom see this species with its wings open; instead you are welcomed by the vivid
orange (coral) spot band below that gives this species its common name.
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.