With regard to the mystery caterpillar sent in for identification by Steve Dobbs, of Stanway, (Gazette, September 19), it is an elephant hawk-moth caterpillar.

I take no credit for this identification – www.wild aboutbritain.co.uk must take the applause.

It is a website which perhaps Steve and others would like to visit, if ever they have a wildlife mystery to solve. I have no hidden agenda in promoting this site, it has just helped me a lot and I would like to pass it on.

Heather Johnson
Capel Road
Colchester