Surprise as giant caterpillar found in garden Telford

The caterpillar, which was found crawling through pebbles in the front garden of Tanya's home in Sutton Hill, Telford, is an impressive 10 centimetres long – at least twice the average length for such a creature – and two centimetres wide.

It turned out to be the larva of an Elephant Hawk Moth and has mottled black and yellow, with eye-like markings on the top of its head and a spike on its back end.

Despite fears that it could be dangerous, wildlife chiefs have confirmed that the curious-looking creepy-crawly is completely harmless – and actually quite common.

And they have said in spite of its rather ugly appearance, it will eventually transform into one of the more beautiful moths.

Average caterpillars range in length from three to six centimetres – between one and two inches. Ms Perks said: "I've never seen a caterpillar this big before – it is huge.

"I called my next-door neighbour over to see if she knew what it was. It is the biggest caterpillar I have ever seen. I was worried it might be dangerous."

Kate Purslow, visitor centre manager at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: "It is not rare, but it is very unusual.

"When people see it they are often shocked as they do think it is much bigger than the usual caterpillar.

"It is not dangerous, people will often find them in their garden and they like to sit on fuchsia plants.

"You do usually see them at this time of year in the garden.

"It is one of the prettiest moths but probably one of the ugliest caterpillars."