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Science & Nature • Insects

Praying Mantis

The praying mantis (*Mantis religiosa*) is a large, diurnal predatory insect in the order Mantodea.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) is a large, diurnal predatory insect in the order Mantodea. It is native to the Mediterranean basin and has spread widely across Europe and into parts of Asia and North America. The species is known for its folded forelegs, which give it a “praying” appearance, and for its carnivorous diet.

Taxonomy and naming

The praying mantis belongs to the order Mantodea and the family Mantidae. Its scientific name is Mantis religiosa, and its common name comes from the prayer-like posture of its forelegs.

Description

The species is a relatively large insect, usually green, brown, or yellowish, with an elongated body and spined forelegs adapted for catching prey. Females are generally larger than males.

Habitat and distribution

The praying mantis originated in the Mediterranean basin and now occurs widely across France and other parts of Europe, as well as in parts of Asia and North America. It prefers warm, open, sunny environments such as grasslands, shrubs, gardens, and field edges.

Behaviour and diet

The species is diurnal and strictly carnivorous, feeding on insects and occasionally small vertebrates. It uses its forelegs to seize prey and is known for its ambush-hunting behaviour.

Cultural associations

The praying mantis has long attracted folklore because of its posture and hunting behaviour. In popular tradition, it has been associated with prayer, superstition, and symbolic meanings in different cultures.

Key facts

  • The praying mantis is a large insect recognizable by its raptorial forelegs held in a folded posture.
  • It is a predatory species that feeds mainly on other insects and sometimes small vertebrates.
  • It is native to the Mediterranean region and has expanded its range into Europe, Asia, and North America.
  • The species is active during the day and is commonly found in warm, open, grassy habitats.
  • In France, it is one of the best-known mantis species and is widely distributed.
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Canadian context

The species is established in Canada, where it has been recorded in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Canadian readers may also encounter it in gardens, fields, and other warm open habitats.

Frequently asked questions

What is a praying mantis?
A praying mantis is a predatory insect in the order Mantodea, best known for its folded forelegs and carnivorous diet.
What is its scientific name?
Its scientific name is *Mantis religiosa*.
Where does it live?
It originates from the Mediterranean basin and lives in warm, open habitats such as grasslands, gardens, and shrublands.
What does it eat?
It eats other animals, mainly insects, and sometimes small vertebrates.
Is it active during the day or night?
The praying mantis is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day.
Is it found in Canada?
Yes. It has been introduced in North America and is established in parts of Canada, including Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.

References

  1. SHNA-OFAB — https://ressources.shna-ofab.fr/fr/fiches-especes/mante-religieuse-mantis-religiosa_45_T65839.html
    Supports: Taxonomy, common name in French, range in France, and conservation note in Île-de-France.
  2. Jardiner Autrement — https://www.jardiner-autrement.fr/fiches-techniques/la-mante-religieuse/
    Supports: Origin in the Mediterranean basin and protection status in Île-de-France.
  3. Bretagne Porte de Loire — https://www.bretagneportedeloire.fr/actualites/biodiversite-les-mantes-religieuses/
    Supports: Size, appearance, coloration, and habitat preferences in France.
  4. VivArmor Nature — https://www.vivarmor.fr/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Mante-religieuse.pdf
    Supports: Diurnal behaviour and carnivorous feeding.
  5. Espace pour la vie — https://espacepourlavie.ca/insectes-arthropodes/mante-religieuse
    Supports: Distribution in Canada and North America, habitat, and diet.
  6. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mante_religieuse
    Supports: General overview, size, and Mediterranean origin.