especially: a European mantis (Mantis religiosa) that has been introduced into the U.S.
called alsopraying mantid
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebNext to them are a rabbit and a praying mantis, miniature painted in various layers of enamel, all set against an agate dial. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 26 July 2022 The praying mantis is an insect that sometimes eats its mate.WSJ, 16 June 2022 Since the time of Darwin, scientists have been particularly fascinated by the praying mantis and other date-munching arachnids who apparently defy the laws of evolution. Lucy Cooke, WSJ, 4 June 2022 Somewhat less common is the sale of live beetles or praying mantis species. Doug Johnson, Ars Technica, 2 May 2022 Before long, we were being visited by monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, praying mantis, and lizards.cleveland, 22 Mar. 2022 Given his reputation for piercing characters on the mandibles of his superior intellect, a praying Franzen doesn’t feel much more sanctified than a praying mantis.Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2021 In fact, the praying mantis continued to remain on Robles even after Phillies scored three runs to take the lead. Gabrielle Chung, PEOPLE.com, 3 Aug. 2021 From a distance, the dead leaf praying mantis resembles its namesake: brown, crispy and still. Cara Giaimo, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2020 See More
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1890, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
praying mantis
noun
ˌprā-iŋ-
: a large usually green insect that feeds on other insects which are held in the raised front legs