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Glite Dictionary
genus Mantis

genus Mantis

8.6
A group of similar mantis insects like the praying mantis
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈmæntɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Mantis
  • The praying mantis commonly seen in gardens belongs to the genus Mantis.

Examples

  • Scientists discovered a new species within the genus Mantis in Southeast Asia.

  • Many entomologists study the genus Mantis to understand predatory insect behavior.

  • The genus Mantis includes various species of mantises.

  • Many insects belong to the genus Mantis family.

  • Many entomologists study the genus Mantis to understand predatory insect behavior.

  • Scientists discovered a new species within the genus Mantis in Southeast Asia.

  • The praying mantis commonly seen in gardens belongs to the genus Mantis.

Surface Forms

genus Mantis singular
genera Mantis plural

Morphology

genus + mantis

The phrase is a straightforward composition: 'genus' (a biological rank grouping species) combined with 'mantis' (the insect) yields 'the genus that includes mantises.' This taxonomic naming pattern (rank + taxon) is regular and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both words can reliably infer the meaning.

Etymology

Genus Mantis comes from an old Greek word 'mantis', meaning 'prophet', because the insect holds its front legs like someone praying or watching. So scientists used the word Mantis for this group of hunting insects, and today genus Mantis names that group.