Caterpillars must climb and attach to their host plants to successfully feed and grow into adult butterflies and moths, and they do so with an unusual soft and many-legged body. Conversely, a number of plants have micro-structured surfaces that make attachment difficult and can present an insurmountable barrier to some herbivores.

In this talk, Simon will explore different adaptations caterpillars have evolved to overcome this type of physical plant defence, how caterpillars can secure themselves to substrates by modifying their surface, and how they use geometry to avoid losing grip on the most slippery of plants.

A programme of free, informal, monthly science talks bringing the latest discoveries in plant science, as well as research linked to the plant collection at CUBG to our visitors in a 30 minute nutshell.

We will be running these talks as online webinars for those at home, and also screening the talks live from the Botanic Garden Classroom for those visiting the the Garden on the day.

Please check the website and social media for updates.

Suitable for adults and children aged 12+

Talks run monthly March to July