praying mantis
10
3.2
- noun
- /ˈpreɪɪŋ ˈmæntɪs/
:
mantis religiosa
- A praying mantis uses its folded forelimbs to catch unsuspecting insects.
So in in most species that's an option, unless you're a praying mantis or a spider or something.
- So in in most species that's an option, unless you're a praying mantis or a spider or something.
- So I think the next logical choice for me is, wow, a mantis, a praying mantis.
Examples
-
They are carried in a folded "prayer" position, giving the mantis its common name of praying mantis.
Academic text (1998) -
My especialidad is the sex life of the praying mantis.
-
- It's a praying mantis.
-
Do we not look like praying mantises?
Academic text (1992) -
The dude came inside and asked me if I had a pet praying mantis.
Blog text (24) -
Like have you seen the praying mantis people on YouTube that have them as pets?
-
On the TV, a praying mantis swallows a bug.
Fiction book (1994) -
There is an extended series of shots of a praying mantis devouring a dragonfly.
Academic text (2007) -
The praying mantis sits quietly on the branch, waiting for its next meal.
-
In the garden, I spotted a praying mantis blending in with the leaves.
Synonyms
28
6.1
An insect with big eyes and long front legs used to catch other insects
1
9.6
An insect with a long body, big eyes, and front legs held like praying hands
A large thin insect that eats other insects with front legs bent like folded hands
How Long-Necked
Surface Forms
Morphology
praying + mantis
The compound is directly descriptive: 'praying' (showing the prayer posture) + 'mantis' (an insect) names an insect whose forelimbs resemble praying hands. A B1 learner who knows both constituent meanings can infer this referential description without prior exposure; the same transparent naming occurs in many languages, reinforcing predictability.
Etymology
Praying mantis gets its name from the insect's front legs, which fold together like hands in prayer. Because of this praying pose, the name now means an insect with folded front legs that stays very still to catch prey.