Chapter 1
A European wasp landed on Beth’s kitchen windowsill.
She stopped washing dishes in the sink and studied the resting insect. It was bright and boldly coloured – striped like a tiger and really quite beautiful. Yes, the European wasp was an imported pest. Yes, it was a nuisance to picnickers and campers. However, as with all introduced species, the wasp itself was blameless, simply striving to survive in an alien world. Its presence was due to human interference in the natural scheme of things.
The wasp buzzed off the sill and disappeared into the garden.
As she gazed after it, another wasp flew into view. This one carried something in its strong jaws. Straight away, Beth recognised the wasp’s prey – a fat emperor gum moth caterpillar. It struggled desperately, resplendent in e
