Chester Zoo experts have confirmed a creature resembling a dried up snake is not a reptile.
The animal was discovered in a garden in Haslington - as Cheshire Live report.
Britt Whitmarsh's grandparents found the animal and she spoke of how its scale-like skin had her convinced it was snake.
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She said: "Truthfully I thought it was an old dried up snake until it started moving.
"My grandparents spotted it this morning. My Nan goes out every morning to de-head any died off flowers and pick up any petals or leaves that have fallen off."
However, the Animal and Plant Director at Chester Zoo confirmed the snake-like creature was actually a type of caterpillar called the Elephant Hawkmoth.
Mike Jordan said: "The caterpillar feeds on willowherb, but also fuchsias so is quite often seen in gardens. When disturbed, it inflates the segments behind the head to mimic a snake.”
When the caterpillar changes to the moth, it is mainly golden-olive with bright pink bars on the wings and body.
The similar Small Elephant Hawkmoth is smaller, yellower and less common and it is found in short grassland.
Britt posted the image of the caterpillar on social media - and people were similarly spooked by the creature.
One person said: "Horrible whatever it is."
Another added: "Get an exorcist."
A third person also said: "Yeah, basically burn the garden down to its roots ... or, move house."
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