Hornworm caterpillars can be found in Vernon and almost everywhere else in the country

Photo: Mike Stark

Today's bug of the week features critters that are still in the wiggly stage of life.

Several readers have sent in pictures of rather large caterpillar-type creatures they found in Okanagan gardens.

Mike Stark sent in a picture of a black insect 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-looking green bug was also captured on 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 during both day and nighttime hours. With their sharp wings and hovering flight, hawk moths are frequently 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 region and while they are completely harmless to humans, they do like to feed on vegetable plants.

Do you agree these are hornworm caterpillars? If not, send me an email.

If you have had a close encounter of the insect kind, send me a picture at [email protected].

Photo: Contributed

Photo: Contributed