1. any insect of the family Mantidae, characterized by raptorial front legs and a triangular head that can turn almost 180 degrees; a praying mantis
Usage: entomological

Examples

• The mantid remained perfectly still on the flower, waiting for prey.
• Children watched in fascination as the mantid turned its head to follow their movements.
• The green mantid blended seamlessly with the garden foliage.
• Scientists study mantid behavior to understand predator-prey relationships.
• A large mantid caught and devoured a butterfly in the researcher’s terrarium.
• The mantid’s front legs snapped forward with lightning speed to capture the fly.