![O.033095; [Praying mantis]. From the portfolio: A Sham Saint or the story of the sad end of a Blue Bottle Fly; May 1940; Sharell, Richard ; without frame](https://media.tepapa.govt.nz/collection/281163/preview)
item details
Name[Praying mantis]. From the portfolio: A Sham Saint or the story of the sad end of a Blue Bottle Fly
ProductionRichard Sharell; photographer; May 1940; New Zealand
Classificationblack-and-white prints, gelatin silver prints, black-and-white photographs
Materialsphotographic gelatin, silver, photographic paper, cardboard
Materials Summaryblack and white photograph, gelatin silver print
Techniquesblack-and-white photography
DimensionsImage: 103mm (height), 78mm (length)
Registration NumberO.033095
Overview
Number three in a series of seven. A close-up view of a praying mantis sitting on the tip of a plant.
Caption: 'Immediately the sham saint perceives the fly and swiftly, turning its slender neck it fixes its eyes upon it, considering the intervening distance. One can see the indented part of the fore-legs which are destined to grip the prey, and the two staring eyes.'