Akademik

mantis

n. (pl. same or mantises) any insect of the family Mantidae, feeding on other insects etc.
Phrases and idioms:
praying mantis a mantis, Mantis religiosa, that holds its forelegs in a position suggestive of hands folded in prayer, while waiting to pounce on its prey.
Etymology: Gk, = prophet

Useful english dictionary. 2012.