Director/Performer

Herding Caterpillars
Kids Theatre/VR

Herding Caterpillars tells the incredible story of the symbiotic relationship between the Chequered Copper Butterfly (Lucia limbaria), obligate ant (Iridomyrmex rufoniger) and native Oxalis plant (Oxalis perennans). This phenomena takes place in the Adelaide Park Lands - in particular the grass area at Victoria Park, and was relatively recently (re)discovered after being presumed locally extinct.

Gerry the Science Communicator narrates the story, as the caterpillar and ants re-enact (in a comical way) the emergence from an egg of the Chequered Copper caterpillar and its daily routine being herded by the ants from the ant nest up to the host plant to feed. The wonderful transformation that occurs during metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly completes the cycle. The theatrical event highlights the ruses and rewards that the caterpillar uses to get the ants to care for its welfare.

Herding Caterpillars was also performed at The Gums for Nature Festival 2021. It is now being developed into a VR experience through a residency at The Void, Flinders Uni.