Mystery around striking caterpillar is solved

A Shropshire couple who were left scratching their heads after finding an unexplained creepy crawly during a day out have had the mystery solved.

Pauline and Philip Davies were enjoying a break at Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge, when they came across the bright green bug.

The couple, who were with their daughter, Claire, and son-in-law, David Dawson, said they had been left scratching their heads after noticing the strange creature.

But Mrs Davies, from Longden Road, in Shrewsbury, said the mystery caterpillar had left the whole family laughing. Confused by its appearance, the couple looked for clarity and Shropshire Star readers were quick with their responses to solve the mystery.

Solving the mystery today is Don Bannister, a volunteer ranger at the Severn Valley Country Park.

Mr Bannister said: "The caterpillar is a Pale Tussock Moth which feeds on oak, beech, birch and hazel.

"We have recently had one in the park, which we kept, and it is now pupating," he added.

Alan Hughes, from Woodside, in Telford, also got the answer right. "My wife and I spotted the Pale Tussock moth in Woodside last year," he said.

"Most of the stranger looking caterpillars tend to be moths," he added.

"Butterfly caterpillars are not, generally, as interesting to look at."

John Challen, operations manager at Blists Hill Victorian Town Museum, said: "We were surprised when we saw the picture of the really rather striking looking caterpillar at Blists Hill.

"We've not spotted one like this around the museum before," he added.