1. a large green or brown insect that holds its front legs in a position that looks like it is praying

Examples

• The mantis sat perfectly still on the flower, waiting for prey.
• A praying mantis can turn its head almost completely around.
• The children watched in fascination as the mantis caught a fly.
• The green mantis blended in perfectly with the garden leaves.
• Female mantises are known to sometimes eat the male after mating.
• The mantis uses its powerful front legs to grab insects.