Good Morning Cheryl, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

Please click on the following link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about caterpillars: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/caterpillars-cole-crops

Your photo does not display the details of the caterpillar head. Here is a link to caterpillars found in MN: https://www.caterpillaridentification.org/caterpillars-by-state-listing.php?reach=Minnesota Based on this website, I believe your caterpillar is a cabbage looper. 

Good Luck!

You are welcome!

In looking over questions submitted to other Master Gardeners, I ran across your question.  I have a question for you.  Within the last couple of weeks, have you planted any plants (flowers, veggies) that you might have purchased from a local greenhouse and/or big-box store?

Many thanks for your anticipated response.

Thanks for your response.  One further question of you.  Where did you put these plants relative to where you saw this caterpillar?  Close?  Many feet away?

Thanks again.

Sorry to bother you with yet another question. In watching these caterpillars move, have you ever seen them making a loop that sticks up in the air?  See the image in the following as an example:

https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/cabbage-looper/5291.html

Thanks again.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 11:10 AM, Cheryl RAmette <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Most of the natives I put on a lower deck in back of our house. The caterpillars are on the back of the house, about 20 feet from that part of the deck. There are 6 steps between the upper deck and lower deck. But honestly, I didn't see any of the caterpillars down where the plants are or around the steps. Only on the upper deck and back of house. 

And now, for the past few days, I haven't seen them. So maybe they're onto their next incarnation. 

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 10:47 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

Thanks for your latest response.  The reason why I reopened your question was that I used three different caterpillar keys that all  gave me the same answer.  Namely, this was a caterpillar found primarily in Texas.  Why it was then appearing in Minnesota did not make any sense.  Last year, I answered a question similar to yours.  I was asked to identify a certain caterpillar that according to my research was also only found in Texas.  It turned out that this individual had recently purchased and planted some plants that were bought at a greenhouse who obtained the plants from Texas.  That explained things and so I was wondering if the same would apply in your situation.  I called Paisley Gardens and asked if they ever obtained plants from Texas.  They answered, "No".

Bottom line is identification of this caterpillar is unknown in my mind.  If it was a cabbage looper, you would have seen it form the loop in the image in the website that I sent you.

Thanks for your patience in all this.  Hopefully you have seen the last of this critter.