Praying Mantis

Carnivorous insect known for its praying-like posture.

mantid

A carnivorous insect known for its distinctive posture resembling prayer. They ambush prey with their powerful forelegs, which are equipped with spines to grasp victims. Found worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats, praying mantises exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females often larger than males.

/ˈpreɪɪŋ ˈmæntɪs/

The name 'praying mantis' comes from the insect's posture with folded forelegs that resemble praying.

insect mantis

forelegs spines

ecosystem habitat

animal insect predatory