Q: Attached is a picture of a pest I found on my lima beans in the garden. Can you help?

A: Your distinctly red-headed creature is a bean leaf roller caterpillar. Its parent is a long-tailed skipper butterfly. I’m sure you’ve noticed the leaves where it has torn off an edge and rolled it over its body for protection.

The bean leaf roller is not generally too damaging. In my opinion you can leave it alone or take a few minutes to mash the “rolls” with your fingers once a week.

Bean Leaf Roller video

Bean Leaf Roller

skiff moth caterpillar