Mantids

Definition

Members of the family Mantidae, a large family of praying mantises (order Mantodea) typified by the European mantis Mantis religiosa. Technically restricted to this family, though historically 'mantid' was used loosely for any mantis. Most genera are tropical or subtropical. Recent classifications have elevated several former mantid subfamilies to family rank (e.g., Iridopterygidae, Sibyllidae, Tarachodidae, Thespidae, Toxoderidae), narrowing the scope of Mantidae.

Etymology

From Mantidae, family name derived from genus Mantis (Greek mantis, 'prophet' or 'soothsayer'), with -idae suffix for family rank.

Example

The Chinese mantis Tenodera sinensis was long classified in Mantidae, though some recent systems place it in Tenoderidae; true mantids in the strict sense include Mantis religiosa and related genera retained in the redefined Mantidae.

Synonyms

• mantid (singular)

Related Terms

• Mantodea
• praying mantis
• Mantidae
• raptorial forelegs
• mantoid

Usage Notes

Specialists distinguish 'mantid' (family Mantidae) from 'mantis' (order Mantodea broadly). Many field guides and older texts use 'mantid' for any mantis, but precise usage follows the narrower family definition. Check current classification when identifying specimens, as family boundaries have shifted substantially in recent phylogenetic revisions.