Mantis

Linnaeus, 1758

praying mantis

Species Guides

1

The Mantis comprises predatory insects in the Mantidae, characterized by their distinctive forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The most widely known , Mantis religiosa (European mantis), has been introduced to North America and has established across much of the United States and Canada. Mantises are sit-and-wait that rely on camouflage and rapid strike capabilities to capture prey. The name derives from the ancient Greek word for "soothsayer."

Mantis by (c) Riccardo Riva, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Riccardo Riva. Used under a CC-BY license.Mantis religiosa (Mantidae) (Praying Mantis) - (nymph), Otok Krk, Croatia by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Observation.org, a global biodiversity recording project. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.The mantis which eats a Bee20080829 by 池田正樹 (talk) Masaki Ikeda. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mantis: //ˈmæn.tɪs//

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Images

Distribution

Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa; introduced to North America where established east of the Mississippi River and northward into Canada. The has broader global records including tropical Asia and Australasia.

Human Relevance

Occasionally brought indoors on Christmas trees when () are deposited on evergreen branches; may result in unexpected hatching of nymphs in homes. In Poland, Mantis religiosa is strictly protected and listed as Endangered in the national Red Book, though it remains the only mantodean in the country.

Sources and further reading