mantis
noun1646
- any of an order or suborder (Mantodea and especially family Mantidae) of large usually green insects that feed on other insects and clasp their prey in forelimbs held up as if in prayer
mantis shrimp
noun
mantis shrimp
\
1871
- any of an order (Stomatopoda) of marine crustaceans (such as a squilla) that have gills on the abdominal appendages —called also stomatopod
praying mantis
noun
praying mantis
\
circa 1890
- mantis; especially : a European mantis (Mantis religiosa) that has been introduced into the U.S. —called also praying mantid
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