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Wisconsin Native Caterpillars

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillar

Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar

Genus-Species: Battus philenor

Description: sually dusky black in color but young larvae may be rusty red. Dark, fleshy tentacles extend from the body, with the longest located just behind the head. Rows of short orange tentacles also extend over the length of the body. Osmeteria are orange.

Chrysalis: Mottled green or brown, depending on season and surface texture. Highly sculpted and angled with curves and horns.

Host Plants: Pipevines (Aristolochia macrophylla, Aristolochia serpentaria and Aristolochia tomentosa)

Habitat: Open areas near woodlands where the larval host plants grow.

Comments: The Pipevine Swallowtail is an uncommon butterfly in Wisconsin. It feeds solely on Pipevines (Aristolochia sp.), none of which are native to Wisconsin. Records of this species in Wisconsin are mainly associated with plantings of Dutchman's Pipevine.

Adult Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly Profile
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