This extreme close-up reveals the Thorny Cricket (Cosmoderus sp.) in an entirely new light — both literally and figuratively. Known for its spiked armour and alien-like morphology, this insect becomes a sculptural form under the influence of creative lighting. The intricate textures of its exoskeleton, highlighted by sharp contrasts and vivid tones, evoke the design of a living machine — equal parts nature and artifice. The image captures the duality of the species: fragile yet fortified, organic yet mechanical.