Nigerian macro photographer Dara Ojo, now living in Canada, explains the stories behind three Costa Rica pictures—a silkworm moth, a leafhopper overtaken by Metarhizium fungus, and a planthopper nymph—while promoting his forthcoming book *Tiny Titans*, scheduled for release on 10 November 2026.
The three images were captured during a field trip to Costa Rica while Ojo was contributing footage to the PBS documentary *Bugs That Rule the World*. He says, "Each of these creatures shows a side of nature most people never see, and documenting them felt like uncovering hidden chapters of the natural world." The book will be launched publicly in Edmonton on 25 November and in Toronto on 2 December, with additional events planned for New York (March 2027) and Vancouver (April 2027). Pre‑orders are already open on Amazon.
**What inspired the Silkworm Moth photograph?**
The silkworm moth image was taken in Costa Rica while Ojo was filming the PBS documentary. He notes that moths are often dismissed as drab, yet up close they reveal vivid colours and intricate patterns. This particular moth exemplified the hidden beauty he aims to showcase through his work.
**How did the leafhopper become a subject of fascination?**
During the same trip Ojo encountered a leafhopper completely covered by a parasitic fungus called [Metarhizium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metarhizium). The fungus invades insects, proliferates inside their bodies, kills them, and eventually erupts to release spores that can infect other insects. Ojo compares the scene to the fictional fungal outbreak in *The Last of Us*, emphasizing that real‑world biology can be stranger than science‑fiction.
**Why is the planthopper nymph considered a photographic challenge?**
The planthopper nymph is a minute insect adorned with delicate waxy filaments on its back. Locating one is difficult, and they tend to turn away when approached, making patience and precise movement essential. Ojo describes the successful capture as a testament to the perseverance required in [macro photography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macro_photography).
**When and where can readers obtain the book?**
*Tiny Titans: The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem* will be published on 10 November 2026 and will be distributed internationally. Book launch events are set for Edmonton (25 November) and Toronto (2 December), with further dates under consideration for New York and Vancouver. Interested readers can pre‑order the volume through the provided Amazon link.