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Wisconsin Native Caterpillars

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillar

Question Mark Caterpillar

Genus-Species: Polygonia interrogationis

Description: Gray-black with orange and cream stripes and spots, as well as several rows of branched spines.

Chrysalis: Mottled gray-brown. Silver spots on thorax. Two rows of short, sharp projections on abdomen. Resembles are crumpled, dead leaf.

Host Plants: American Elm Red Elm, Hackberry, Japanese Hop, Nettles and False Nettles.

Habitat: Found in a wide variety of habitats, including backyards, parks, and woodland edges, especially along woodland trails.

Comments: The Question Mark is slightly larger than the other “punctuation” butterflies in Wisconsin, but otherwise very similar. This is a very well known butterfly, found throughout Wisconsin, but is fairly uncommon.

Adult Question Mark Butterfly Profile
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