One thing that often puzzles me is the lack of wildlife programmes on television looking at British wildlife.

When it is shown, the stars tend to be restricted to one or regulars such as foxes and badgers. On the other hand, we see the brightly coloured birds and reptiles of the tropical rainforests, the dazzling marine life of the coral reefs or the giant insects from warmer climbs. Is it any wonder that many people, who perhaps don't get out into the countryside, show little regard for what may be living right under their noses.

I think the main reason we see less of our more local stars on the big screen is down to the fact that you have to look that little bit harder to see them. Whether it is due to their size or in many cases just that they are more elusive.

I recently had the opportunity to have a close encounter with one of our more striking residents. It is a beast that is not often witnessed, and when you consider its size, appearance and location it is hard to imagine why. The creature in question was the caterpillar of the elephant hawk moth.

This individual was fully-grown at approximately three inches long (a giant by British insect standards, bigger than some of our mammals in fact), olive green in colour with striking black bars. But its most noticeable feature was its eyes. Well, eyespots anyway, just to the sides of its head. The reason for these is that when threatened, the caterpillar draws its head into its body, making its body swell up, which coupled with the 'fake' eyes gives the creature the appearance of being larger than it is.

To top this off, it sways its head from side to side in a slow, menacing manner, enough to put birds off their lunch.

The insect, although not uncommon, is certainly hardly ever seen. The reason for this is probably that it takes refuge among the dense growths of rosebay willow herb, hiding away by daylight only coming out to feed in the dark of night, where it is safe from attack by birds and other predators.

If you see this creature, you truly have to appreciate the wonder of our native wildlife. Even if you don't find insects attractive in any way, shape or form you can't help but be impressed.

The moth, on the other hand, is a different story. I would challenge any person to look at an elephant hawk moth and not be taken in by its beauty.