Deep in the rainforest of Peru, a green praying mantis held utterly still on a vivid red leaf, forelegs raised in the pose that gives the insect its name. It stayed motionless long enough for me to move in close with a macro lens.
Praying mantises are found all over the world, and the tropics hold an astonishing variety of them, from leaf mimics to species that look like orchids or sticks. All are predators. They wait in perfect stillness for an insect to come close, then strike with forelegs lined with sharp spines, faster than the eye can follow.
The red leaf sweeps across the bottom of the frame in a bold curve, and the slender green mantis perches along its edge against a black background. The contrast is strong and graphic, almost like a poster.
It is a bold, unusual macro print with a modern feel. It suits a living room, study, office or child's room, and makes a fascinating gift for anyone who loves insects or the Amazon.
THE PRINT
Archival pigment print (giclée) on museum-grade fine art paper. Limited edition of 30. Hand-signed and numbered by John Wiseman and issued with a signed certificate of authenticity.
SIZE
Image size 76 x 51 cm (30 x 20 in). Other sizes are available. Please enquire.
DELIVERY AND FRAMING
Made to order in Sydney, Australia. Shipped unframed, rolled in a protective tube. Custom framing in natural timber, black or white can be added through Bluethumb.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
John Wiseman is an award-winning Australian wildlife and nature photographer with more than 25 years in the field, photographing across six continents. Winner, Science & Nature, International Loupe Awards. Represented by IRID Gallery, Melbourne and Sydney.