Author(s): Karen Carter (Produced by, Drawings by, Cover Design by, Prepared for Publication by, Illustrator, Artist)

Children's Reference

While symbiotic relationships are somewhat common in nature, each relationship is unique and contributes to maintaining a biodiverse ecosystem.

'The Ant, the Plant, and the Caterpillar', tells the tale of a very special symbiotic relationship between Lucida the caterpillar, Nathan the Notoncus ant, and the Sweet Bursaria plant. The story follows the journey of a protective ant and a little caterpillar and their great friendship as the caterpillar grows to become the delicate Eltham Copper Butterfly.

The Eltham Copper Butterfly is an endangered species found only in small, isolated pockets in Victoria, Australia. It relies on us to protect it, the ants and its habitat. Without our efforts to save this special relationship, the Eltham Copper Butterfly, could - like many endangered species - be gone forever.