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Wisconsin Native Caterpillars

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillar

Gray Hairstreak Caterpillar

Genus-Species: Strymon melinus

Description: Although generally some shade of green, color varies according to host plant hue.

Chrysalis: Dark brown.

Host Plants: Flowers and fruits from an almost endless variety of plants; most often from pea (Fabaceae) and mallow (Malvaceae) families including beans (Phaseolus), clovers (Trifolium), cotton (Gossypium), and mallow (Malva).

Habitat: Found in a large variety of open habitats, including open weedy fields.

Comments: The Gray Hairstreak is one of the most widespread butterflies in the continental United States, but is uncommon in Wisconsin.

Adult Gray Hairstreak Butterfly Profile
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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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