Ideas worth spreading

The colorful, shapeshifting wonder of the Amazon's praying mantises

282,881 views |

Leo Lanna and Lvcas Fiat |

TED2022

• April 2022

In this captivating talk, journey into the surprisingly colorful nights of the Amazon Rainforest, as artistic entomologist Leo Lanna and designer Lvcas Fiat introduce us to the shapeshifting wonder of a creature they've fallen in love with: the praying mantis. Using an innovative approach that fuses science, art and conservation, Lanna and Fiat uncover the unimaginable biodiversity in this natural kingdom, proving that the age of exploration on Earth is far from over.

In this captivating talk, journey into the surprisingly colorful nights of the Amazon Rainforest, as artistic entomologist Leo Lanna and designer Lvcas Fiat introduce us to the shapeshifting wonder of a creature they've fallen in love with: the praying mantis. Using an innovative approach that fuses science, art and conservation, Lanna and Fiat uncover the unimaginable biodiversity in this natural kingdom, proving that the age of exploration on Earth is far from over.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Want to host a talk, support an expedition or explore the rainforest nights? Collaborate here.

Follow and explore the wonders of tropical rainforest nights at Projeto Mantis.

About the speakers

Leo Lanna

Artistic entomologist

See speaker profile

Leo Lanna searches for praying mantises in tropical rainforests. With a flashlight and camera, he unveils a vibrantly alien universe of wonder.

Lvcas Fiat

Designer, explorer

See speaker profile

Lvcas Fiat finds inspiration at the intersection of science, conservation and design. Whether focused on monumental trees or microscopic bugs, his work reveals the often unnoticed beauty of wildlife.

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Projeto Mantis website

Explore the beauty of tropical rainforests, learn more about praying mantises and navigate our expeditions.

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To expand the TED Talk, read Lanna's interview on National Geographic, delving into how Projeto Mantis is combining science and arts to push forward discoveries in the rainforest nights.

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"In the dark of the Amazon: design, science and conservation"

Read Fiat's article (in Portuguese) expanding the important connection between arts and science, and how graphic design can boost conservation and knowledge on the rainforests.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Want to host a talk, support an expedition or explore the rainforest nights? Collaborate here.

Follow and explore the wonders of tropical rainforest nights at Projeto Mantis.