[m is for mantis]
#144 of 365

man⋅tis
mān'tĭs
–noun, plural -tis⋅es, -tes, -tiz, -teez
1. any of several predaceous insects of the order mantidae, having a long prothorax and typically holding the forelegs in an upraised position as if in prayer.
2. any of various predatory insects of the family mantidae, primarily tropical but including a few temperate zone species, usually pale green and having two pairs of walking legs and powerful grasping forelimbs. the mantis feeds on live insects, including others of its own kind.
also, mantid.
also called praying mantis.