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Praying Mantis - Bizarre Animal #3 (Illus. & PRNMK

Launch gallery slideshow

Praying Mantis - Bizarre Animal #3 (Illus. & PRNMK
Group:Illustrating & Printmaking Artists
Swap Coordinator:dobie256 (contact)
Swap categories: Nature  Art  Artist Trading Card (ATC) 
Number of people in swap:6
Location:International
Type:Type 3: Package or craft
Last day to signup/drop:March 25, 2011
Date items must be sent by:April 12, 2011
Number of swap partners:1
Description:

This is the third in a series of "bizarre animal" swaps. These will be depicting real animals -- but ones that are almost fantasy in appearance or behavior. I am planning on picking a variety of mammals, insects, reptiles, birds, invetebrates, etc. over the course of this series.

The image size will be a standard ATC. I hope for a lot of participation in this swap. With that in mind you can portray the Praying Mantis as either an illustration or via any print-making method.

The praying mantis is a large insect found in the order Mantodea (Greek "prophet" and "form or shape"). I think all insects are pretty alien in appearance, but the praying mantis carries this to the extreme. It's long legs, extended body and thorax, large compound eyes, huge grasping forelegs, and extremely flexible head articulation (300 degrees of movement) make it an extraodinary predator.

The praying mantis is well known for some of it's unusual behaviors. When threatened it rears back on its hindlegs, spread its wings, hisses violently, and strikes out with its forelegs. In captivity, the female often engages in sexual cannibalism -- devouring the head of the copluating male. Because these insects have such acute vision, it is thought that the distractions of a laboratory environment might increase the occurance of this behavior -- it is seldom observed in the wild.

Specifics:

•1 ATC for 1 Partner

•Illustrations or print-making method of choice. Originals only please.

•Card backside should include artist's information, title, & date.

•Theme: Praying Mantis

•4.9+, no unexplained 3s or 1s

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Discussion

bluemonkeymama 02/27/2011 #

Oh, sweet! i love Praying Mantises! i didn't even have to consider this one. It's a no-brainer!

naturenerd3 02/27/2011 #

Now I see these guys in the garden so much I never considered them weird ... shows it really is all relative! Of course I will be joining. I am still anxiously awaiting the narwhal!!!!

izohgore 02/27/2011 #

I have been thinking about a praying mantas swap, perfect!! Thank you! :D

dobie256 02/27/2011 #

LOL narwhal is next! I have a ton of mammals on my list, but want to scatter in some birds, inverts, reptiles, etc. too!

dobie256 02/27/2011 #

Feel free to list other animals you want to see featured. I see this series lasting for awhile as I already have about 20 good critters on my list.

naturenerd3 02/27/2011 #

I think the dodo would be a good choice. I'd also like to see the cassowary... vampire bat. I'm sure I could think of a lot more if I kept thinking. I think the only thing I wouldn't be thrilled about would be a large spider or scorpion.

dobie256 02/28/2011 #

Well, this series is only doing living animals, so the dodo is out. I love all of the ratites so I might leave that one open to do cassowary, emu, ostrich, etc. as they are ALL bizarre. Vampire bat is on the list! Thanks for your input! I love spiders but scorpions are my least favorite of all animals so you're safe from that one (besides, I just did that as a nightmare card -- can't believe I dealt with it at all -- so I am done with that critter!)

FiWebster 03/ 6/2011 #

I recommend nudibranchs! Google it if you don't know what they are. They are outrageously colorful & strange-looking.

dobie256 03/ 6/2011 #

@melusina -- When it comes to cool fascinating colorful deep sea invertebrates I could do a whole series of swaps just on them! I will probably do seahorses first (and somewhere in the series the amazing Cephalopods!!!) but you are right -- sea slugs are gorgeous! They are now on the list. Thanks!

naturenerd3 03/ 8/2011 #

I'm sorry, I have to drop from this swap :(

dobie256 03/ 8/2011 #

I'm sorry too! I'll do a private one with you later on if you wish, just let me know.

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