Ideas worth spreading

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

278,866 views | Leo Lanna and Lvcas Fiat • TED2022

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

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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.

| Explore

Projeto Mantis website

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

Eliane Brum and Diane Grosklaus Whitty | Graywolf Press, 2022 | Book

Banzeiro Òkòtó: The Amazon as the Center of the World

A deep dive into the Amazon's current situation, placing the rainforest as crucial for humanity if we want to survive the next generations.

Leo Lanna | National Geographic, 2022 | Article

"Leo Lanna: Uncovering insect mysteries in the dark rainforest"

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.

Nadia Drake | National Geographic, 2018 | Article

"Dragon Mantis Captured in Extremely Rare Video"

Watch and read about one of the most stunning praying mantises in Brazil, captured in video for the first time by the Projeto Mantis team on its early work at the Atlantic Rainforest.

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Selvagem Ciclo de Estudos website

A myriad of de-colonial and rooted content created by indigenous peoples, scientists, artists and philosophers, navigating through life cycles and mysteries.

Lvcas Fiat | Recorte, 2021 | Article

"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.