In relation to the entomological programming research, I was able to define the characteristics of my insect, the Agile Ground Mantis, by several different devices. The first being the jaws of life, or those big hydraulic jaws that firefighters use to get people .out of cars and things. I found this inspiring because most praying mantises are known for their super powerful front legs which they use to squeeze the life out of their prey. The second device was simply my desk lamp, as the joints and springiness reminded me of mantis rear legs. For the inside of the mechanical mantis, I simply took parts of the body and drew up mechanical versions like a gas bottle for lungs, wires and tubes for carrying nervous signals and blood respectively.
Source: ME
