Today’s bug of the week features creatures still in the crazy stage of life. Several readers have sent in photos of rather large caterpillar-like creatures they’ve found in Okanagan gardens. Mike Stark sent in a photo of a black bug with yellow markings and a small horn, while Alan Sanderson sent in a photo of a mostly orange bug that is also quite large. A similar green error was also recorded on the camera. All appear to be members of the hornworm caterpillar family. Hornworm caterpillars turn into sphinx or hawk moths, a group of moths that often fly both during the day and at night. With their sharp wings and hovering flight, hawk moths are often mistaken for small hummingbirds. Adult moths lay their large, spherical eggs on the undersides of leaves. There are several types of hornworm caterpillars in the area and while they are completely harmless to humans, they like to feed on vegetable plants. Do you agree that these are hornworm caterpillars? If not, send me an email. If you have had a close encounter with the insect species, send me a photo at [email protected]. Photo: Contributed Photo: Contributed
