mantis

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmantɪs/
(also praying mantis)

noun (plural or mantises)

  • a slender predatory insect with a triangular head, which waits motionless for prey with its large forelegs folded like hands in prayer.
    • Suborder Mantodea, order Dictyoptera: Mantidae and other families, and many species, including Mantis religiosa of southern Europe

Origin:

mid 17th century: modern Latin, from Greek, literally 'prophet'