praying mantis
pray·ing mantis mantis
Origin of praying mantis
so called because the forelegs are often held up and together, suggestive of prayerpraying mantis
noun
A mantis, especially the European species Mantis religiosa, which while at rest folds its front legs as if in prayer.
praying mantis
Mantis religiosa
praying-mantis
Noun
(plural praying mantises or praying mantes)
- Any of various predatory, cannibalistic insects of the family Mantidae that have a prayer-like stance.
- (regional, in Europe) A mantid of the species Mantis religiosa.
Origin
Mantis from Greek μάντις (mántis). Named "praying mantis" for their stance, whith "hands" held together, resembling a person praying.
