Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Alien Mimicry

In this photograph, a ghost mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) delicately balances on a chestnut shell. The translucent beauty of the mantis, with its slender body and elongated limbs, blends seamlessly with the intricate patterns and earthy tones of the chestnut shell. The juxtaposition of the mantis's ghostly appearance against the black backdrop creates an ethereal and mesmerizing composition. Nature's artistry is on display as the mantis confidently perches upon the shell, showcasing the harmonious coexistence between creatures and their surroundings.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2023
Date Uploaded: 09.2023
Photo Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Copyright: © Irina Petrova Adamatzky
Awards
Finalist