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Wisconsin Native Caterpillars

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillar

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.

Adult Coral Hairstreak Butterfly Profile
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