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Wisconsin Native Caterpillars

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillar

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar

Genus-Species: Papilio glaucus

Description: Young caterpillars are brownish-black with a white “saddle” which makes them resemble bird droppings. Later instars are bright green with small eyespots behind the true head, enabling them to resemble a snake. Immediately before pupation, caterpillar color changes from green to brown.

Chrysalis: The chrysalis is either mottled brown or green, depending on the time of year and the structure to which it is attached. Brown chrysalides usually occur in the fall and overwinter.

Host Plants: Wild cherry (Prunus species), Magnolia or Cucumber tree (Magnolia species), Basswood (Tilia americana), Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Birch (Betula species), Ash (Fraxinus species), Cottonwood (Populus species), American mountain ash (Sorbus americana), and Willow (Salix species).

Habitat: Wooded areas and open areas near woodlands.

Comments: The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a very common and conspicuous butterfly of southern Wisconsin.

Adult Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 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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