MANTID

(family Mantidae), also called mantis, praying mantid, or praying mantis any of about 2,000 species of large (about 5 centimetres [2 inches] long), slow-moving insects characterized by an elongated prothorax (i.e., first thoracic segment) and front legs modified so that the tibia of the lower leg fits into a spined groove in the femur of the upper leg. The mantid, which feeds exclusively on living insects, seizes its prey in a viselike grip. When alarmed the mantid assumes a threatening attitude: it raises and rustles its wings (if it is a winged species) and often displays bright warning coloration. Usually found among vegetation rather than on the ground, a mantid may be disguised to resemble green or brown foliage, a dried leaf, a slender twig, a lichen, a brightly coloured flower, or an ant. This camouflage hides it from predators and also makes it inconspicuous as it stalks or awaits victims. The female, who often eats the male after they mate, lays about 200 eggs in a large cocoon-like capsule (ootheca), which serves to protect the eggs during adverse weather conditions or from enemies. The nymph, which lacks wings but otherwise closely resembles the adult, emerges with other nymphs; often they eat each other. The majority of the more than 1,500 mantid species are tropical or subtropical. Representative European genera are Mantis (M. religiosa is the most widespread), Ameles, Iris, and Empusa. North American genera include Stagmomantis (S. carolina is widely distributed), Litaneutria (L. minor, a small western species, is the sole mantid native to Canada), and Thesprotia and Oligonicella (both very slender forms). M. religiosa, Iris oratoria, Tenodera angustipennis, and T. aridifolia sinensis have been introduced into North America. The last species is the familiar Chinese mantid, which is native to many parts of eastern Asia and is the largest mantid in North America; it ranges from 7 to 10 cm in length. The name mantis, which means diviner, was given to this insect by the ancient Greeks because they believed that it had supernatural powers; its current name, mantid, or soothsayer, also reflects this belief. Numerous myths and legends are associated with the mantid because it can remain motionless or sway gently back and forth, with head raised and front legs outstretched in an apparent attitude of supplication. According to superstition, the brown saliva of a mantid can cause blindness in a man, and a mantid, if eaten, can kill a horse or mule. The common name praying mantid and the scientific name Mantis religiosatogether with many other names such as Gottesanbeterin (German), prie-Dieu (French), prega-Diou (Provenal), and the West Indian god-horsesuggest piety. The names devil's horse and mule killer also are used. Since all mantids are ferocious carnivores, preying rather than praying may better describe them.