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Wisconsin Native Caterpillars

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) caterpillar

Spring Azure Caterpillar

Genus-Species: Celastrina ladon

Description: Variable in color: shades of green, brown, and pinkish green. Pale, lateral bands on each back segment allow this caterpillar to blend perfectly with the "true" flowers at the center of a dogwood blossom.

Chrysalis: Light brown and pellet shaped.

Description: Variable in color: shades of green, brown, and pinkish green. Pale, lateral bands on each back segment allow this caterpillar to blend perfectly with the "true" flowers at the center of a dogwood blossom.

Host Plants: Flowers of a variety of woody shrubs and occasionally herbs including dogwood (Cornus florida), New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americana), meadowsweet (Spiraea salicifolia), and Collinsia.

Habitat: Openings and edges of deciduous woods, old fields, wooded freshwater marshes and swamps.

Comments: The Spring Azure caterpillar is variable in color: shades of green, brown, and pinkish green. Pale, lateral bands on each back segment allow this caterpillar to blend perfectly with the "true" flowers at the center of a dogwood blossom.

Adult Spring Azure Butterfly Profile
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