Find Caterpillar

Wisconsin Native Caterpillars

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillar

Gray Comma Caterpillar

Genus-Species: Polygonia progne

Host Plants: Gooseberries (Ribes) and azalea (Rhododendron).

Habitat: Along dirt roads, along streamsides, and within clearings in rich deciduous or confierous woods, in aspen parks, yards, and gardens. Often in hilly terrain or canyons.

Comments: Caterpillars are yellowish brown with dark markings. The spines are blackish.

Adult Gray Comma 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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