World Premiere of the
‘Herding Caterpillars’ performance
Tuthangga, Adelaide Park Lands, May 16th 2021
‘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.
The ants inspect the egg
Each day the caterpillar is herded down into the ant nest
The beautiful butterfly warms her wings in the sunshine
The caterpillar sprays pheromones to attract the ants
much to the delight of the audience!
And the cycle starts again
“…learning about the native sorrel and copper butterfly has greatly enhanced my connectedness to this area. I will continue to visit this place to watch and observe the changes and interactions”
Helen
Performers: Steph Daughtry, Curtis Shipley, Gerry Butler, Estelle Anderson, India Young, Phoebe Taylor.
Director: Steph Daughtry
Set and costume design and construction:
Lisa Savchuk, Paul Anderson, Jacqui Hunter, Gerry Butler
Concept: Jacqui Hunter, Gerry Butler
Script: Gerry Butler
Ant extras: Otis Mullan, Innes Beltrame, Laila O’Callaghan, Ari O’Callaghan
Photo Credits:
Jan Forrest, Morgan Sette, Jacqui Hunter