MANTIS MAESTROS - CHOERADODIS RHOMBOIDEA

Choeradodis rhomboidea, acrylic on canvas, 2026. 24" X 36"

3 of 4 in the Mantis Maestros series

The shield mantis (Choeradodis rhomboidea) gets its name from an extended, leaf-like thorax that provides excellent camouflage among tree leaves and made it appear larger to predators. This robust insect is known for its dramatic defensive display and active, dynamic hunting behavior. This particular species of shield mantis is native to Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Suriname.

The painting captures the vivid colours exhibited by the mantis's unique shield-like neck plate with exceptional detail. Handled with a rare cleanliness and exquisite delicacy, it also comes with a touch of persistence within its delicateness, as well as an interplay of light and shadow against a pure black background, creating a visual poetry of a vivid green creature mesmerising viewers with its colour alone. This refined and visually striking mastery of composition stems not only from keen intuition but also from the accumulation of countless moments of contemplation, meticulous practice and reflection.




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