mantis

/man"tis/, n., pl. mantises, mantes /-teez/.

any of several predaceous insects of the order Mantidae, having a long prothorax and typically holding the forelegs in an upraised position as if in prayer.

Also, mantid. Also called praying mantis.

[1650-60; < NL < Gk mántis prophet, kind of insect; akin to MANIA]

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or praying mantis

Any of more than 1,500 species of the insect suborder Mantodea (order Orthoptera).

The long-bodied, slow-moving mantis (or mantid) eats only living insects, using its large forelimbs to capture and hold its struggling prey. The female is likely to eat the male after mating. The European Mantis religiosa and the Chinese mantis (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis) have been introduced to North America. The latter grows to 3–8 in. (8–20 cm) long. The name mantis ("diviner") reflects an ancient Greek belief in its supernatural powers.

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