Praying for a handsome mantid? Then join this congregation of oversized insects, who have swarmed into the picturesque village of Mount Gambier. Or, given how many bugs and beasties are around, should that be MITE Gambier? Or even Mount Gam-bee-er – teehee!
Local artist Ivo Tadic created the un-beetle-ievable piece in 2019 to add a splash of colour to the Mount Gambier Snail Trail… oops, make that RAIL Trail. This gorgeous walk follows the disused train tracks, and provides a stunning experience that is as breathtaking as it is educational.
The Rail Trail is an easy stroll, although some training beforehand is recommended. Along with the massive praying mantes, you’re sure to find the giant set of railway signals raily interesting!
Older visitors planning to trek to The Big Mantids, however, might want to take a walking stick insect. There are even a few grassy spots perfect for a quick game of cricket. Don’t worry, you won’t see any cockroaches – they live a few hours away in Lower Light.
The Big Mantids are a joy to take photos with, as they wave their surprisingly muscular arms in the air. Yes, they’re anatomically correct and incredibly detailed, but there’s also a sense of fun that makes them a must-see on any trip to South Australia. I tell no flies when I say the craftmanship will leave you wasping in delight. They really are in a classhopper of their own!
Although there is a mosque-ito nearby, it’s not know which religion these guys adhere to – but one thing’s for sure, they are both in sects!
Alright, stop earwiggin’ out, fleas accept my apologies for my an-ticks!
Livin’ on a prayer
Ivo put moths of hard work into the cic-arduous task of building The Big Mantids, ant it was all worth it. The hues and materials were inspired by the Mount Gambian wilderness, because Ivo wanted his happy chappies to blend in with the surrounding environment.
“Limestone is an important feature in our regional identity and the use of this material and natural colours ensures the piece sits well in this location,” Ivo explained upon unveiling his masterpiece. “The use of limestone is also good for tourism and opens the opportunity for a sculpture trail to be developed as a tourist attraction.”
So popular have the Mantids proven, that the trail – once silent and rusting – is now completely overrun by insect-obsessed tourists. But, I suppose, that is the lesser of two weevils.
Mount Gambier’s intelligentsia have been ensconced in heated debate regarding the hidden meaning and translucent commentary behind The Big Mantids, but Ivo – a flamboyant renegade of the Australian urban art scene – refuses to play by the rules.
“Interpret it however you wish,” he postulated, in a move sure to kick the hornet’s nest. “It can symbolise many things, however, I created this piece because I like insects and they are a foundational layer of our ecosystem.” If only everyone admired creepy crawlies as much as you, Ivo, I wouldn’t be spending tonight alone!
Alright, alright! I’ll give the puns a rest, so don’t bite my head off – I’m not a bloomin’ mantid!
