Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Mantidae

Mantidae

9.9
A family of insects like praying mantises with long bodies and front legs that hold other insects
  • noun
  • /mænˈteɪdiː/
  • Specialized
: Mantidae
  • The Mantidae are easily recognized by their triangular heads and spiny forelegs.

Examples

  • Scientists have discovered new species within the Mantidae family in tropical regions.

  • Many gardeners appreciate Mantidae species as natural pest control agents.

  • Look at that Mantidae!

  • The Mantidae family includes many fascinating species.

  • The Mantidae family is known for its unique body structure and predatory behavior.

  • Many gardeners appreciate Mantidae species as natural pest control agents.

  • The Mantidae are easily recognized by their triangular heads and spiny forelegs.

Synonyms

family Manteidae
vsMantidae
  • Specialized
8.6

A group of insects like praying mantises that use long front legs to catch prey

is the same family name but spelled differently

Surface Forms

Mantidae singular
Mantidae plural

Morphology

Mantidae = mantis (opaque) = mantis + idae

Formed with the scientific taxonomic suffix '-idae' from the noun 'mantis'; the suffix is not productive in general English and is likely unfamiliar to average learners.

Etymology

Mantidae comes from the Greek word mantis, meaning 'seer' or 'prophet', because these insects hold their front legs like someone praying or like a fortune-teller. The ending -idae marks a family of related insects, so Mantidae is the family of mantises.