Shropshire family's new neighbours - hundreds of black caterpillars
It's not something you would expect to see when you look over your garden fence - but the Armitage family found an army of caterpillars feeding on leaves and plants next door.
Katherine Armitage found hundreds of black caterpillars in a field next to her home when she took some rubbish out to the bin.
Several more of the insects have appeared in the field since the family made the discovery two weeks ago.
Katherine, 18, said she had only made the discovery at her family's home at Oakhurst Villas in Newtown, near Wem, by chance.
She said: "I was just walking to the bin and saw all these black blotches on the leaves.
"When I had a look I realised they were caterpillars so I showed my mum who just couldn't believe it.
"My step-dad came out then and had a look as well, and told us that they definitely were.
"There are just shed loads of baby caterpillars now, it's amazing how many there are.
"We've never seen anything like it here before, we sometimes have quite a few caterpillars on the butterfly tree, but nothing like this."
The caterpillars are believed to be larvae of the peacock butterfly, which lays about 200 eggs at a time.
The larva are commonly found on nettle plants during sunny periods and are always found in large groups.
Thankfully the Armitage family are not overly bothered by their presence on the field, which is owned by a local farmer.
Katherine said: "They haven't really made it into the garden yet, and when they do my step dad just picks them up and places them back in the field.
"He's fine with them there as long as they don't start eating the tomato plants.
"It's really interesting seeing them just next to us and it's just amazing to see how many there are.
She added: "It will be stunning once they all turn into butterflies, so we are looking forward to that."
