Praying Mantids

Family Mantidae

European mantis (Mantis religiosa). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Mantids are predaceous and feed mainly on insects although the larger species have been known to eat frogs and young birds. Most species live within foliage or flower blossoms and are well-camouflaged. They wait for prey with their forelegs raised; this is where the name 'praying mantis' comes from. The ground-dwelling species are rapid runners and may chase their prey actively instead of waiting in ambush. Praying mantids have a triangular head with large eyes. The front legs are raptorial. Both males and females are fully winged. Females are generally larger than males.

Distribution of European mantis (Mantis religiosa) in Canada