The plants should grow back. When I did have these kinds of problems the affected plants would grow new foliage after the wee buggers were eliminated.

They are probably different kinds of moth (or butterfly)caterpillars. At this point hand picking may be the best for you. They can be very hard to see so it takes time. Wasps do a good job of controlling caterpillars in my yard but they get my petunias. I search and squish and the petunias grow more flowers fast. You might look into the organically approved insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis. Caterpillars eat it then die but it is harmless to everything else, including caterpillar predators. Cutting back leafless stems may help the plant recover quicker but I would not cut off good leaves. The plants need leaves to help prepare for winter. Good Luck! Kim

Yes, I presume that is what they are catepillars....but they sure are hungry buggers and I just cant have them eating everything...I actually got into the snapdragon bed and shook off each part of the plant...and worms (catepillars) went a flying...and then I let them go for a community swim (in bug getta solution)

thanks for the responses. I am now on constant bug alert....

Just putting a little liquid soap/detergent in some water would be enough to drown them. The soap breaks the surface tension of the water and bugs fall to the bottom. It is easier and cheaper than using bug getta.