Hairy Caterpillar on a Green Bean Plant

Caterpillars

Yesterday afternoon, while checking the water levels in the rice fields and passing by my mother's green bean patch, I spotted a hairy caterpillar resting and slowly crawling along a green bean plant's stem.

The caterpillar was quite large, covered in black and dark yellow hairs, and had red legs.

Scientifically, these creatures belong to the order Lepidoptera. They are generally considered plant pests—like this specific one, which feeds on green beans—often causing yellow and brown discoloration on the leaves.

Additionally, these caterpillars frequently cause itching for anyone who touches them with bare hands.