Colorful Praying Mantis and Insects Pictures

Biochemist and photographer Igor Siwanowicz has spent the last seven years carefully acquiring, breeding and capturing bizarre and visually stunning images of his alien subjects.

Taken in a home studio in Munich, Germany, Mr Siwanowicz studies the habits and physiology of these compelling creatures, which gives him the edge when it comes to producing thought-provoking imagery.

Here are some pictures of praying mantis and other insects captured in extreme close-up.

two lovely praying mantis

two close up praying mantis

Colorful Praying Mantis

Praying mantis showing its beautiful wings

Praying mantis raising his hands

Stag beetles grappling and fighting

Brahmin moth-caterpillar

A giant green pill millipede curls up

Crested Gecko standing up

Red-eyed tree frogs climbing into the vines