Acrylic on Arches watercolour paper
29cm x 40cm

After the 2026 summer rains in the red centre, an abundance of varying caterpillars covered plants like Purslane and Sticky Tar-vine (their chosen aphrodisiac and sustenance). It was the most I had seen since the 21/22 summer rains.

I wanted to display all the types I came across, and I think I covered most of them except for the itchy grubs because quite frankly, they scare the shit out of me, I don’t want to end up with a rash by getting too close..

These caterpillars form the dreaming of Alice Springs/Mparntwe creation, specifically the mountain ranges that keep us tucked in.

I envy people who can pull off white backgrounds, I always find it difficult. I added my signature Fruit Loop/Tingle paint effect to compliment the caterpillar’s colours; their love of sweet treats in plants; and the child in us - always looking for bugs and exploring. The inner Ash Ketchum if you will..

Which caterpillar is your favourite?