Hi Dan,

My neighbor has these caterpillars around her patio. Just wondering if you knew what type they were. They look like they would cause a nasty sting!

Also, my orchids were chewed up by snails - should I cut the entire leaf off? Or leave the leaf?

Thanks as always!

- Denise G.

These are walnut caterpillars – they do not sting.

For the orchids, if a leaf is over half gone and looks unhealthy, remove it. A healthy looking leaf that just has some holes in it is still functioning well and should be retained.

Dan Gill
Consumer Horticulture Specialist