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

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Shadow Warrior: Darth Vader Mantis Nymph on the Hunt

This striking image features a Parablepharis kuhlii, known as the Darth Vader mantis nymph, hanging upside down from a branch against a stark black background. The insect’s intricate form, with its dark, otherworldly appearance, is displayed in stunning detail as it clings effortlessly to the branch. The black backdrop enhances the mantis’s unique silhouette, making its angular body and alien-like features stand out with dramatic effect, evoking a sense of mystery and stealth.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2024
Date Uploaded: 10.2024
Photo Location: Vietnam
Copyright: © Irina Petrova Adamatzky