




Mantis religiosa
The European Mantis is a green insect known for its unique shape and big eyes. It loves to sit quietly and wait for its food, which is usually other insects. They are fun to watch as they move their heads to look around!
Habitat: Grasslands
The European Mantis has an elongated body, often green or brown, perfectly camouflaged among plants. It features a distinctive triangular head with large eyes and powerful, spiky forelegs held in a 'praying' position.





Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
28
Despite their fierce look, mantises are harmless to humans and even eat garden pests!
Mantis means 'prophet' in Greek, referring to its prayer-like posture!
Some people keep mantises as pets because they are so fascinating to watch!
They lay their eggs in a foamy case called an ootheca, which hardens to protect them.
European Mantis can blend seamlessly into its surroundings because of its amazing camouflage, helping them ambush unsuspecting prey.
European Mantis can snap its spiky forelegs shut in a blink because of specialized muscles, helping them catch fast-moving insects.
European Mantis can rotate its triangular head 180 degrees that helps them scan for danger and prey without moving their body.
European Mantis has excellent depth perception that helps them judge distances precisely before launching a surprise attack.
This skilled hunter eats many kinds of insects and small creatures in a flash!
Musca domestica
a common source of food for the mantis
Gryllus campestris
a frequently caught insect by adult mantises
Apis mellifera
sometimes catches these pollinators with its quick strike
Lanius collurio
these predatory birds can hunt adult mantises
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch insects without asking an adult, as some might bite.
60-80 mm
40-75 mm
180-365 days
This skilled hunter eats many kinds of insects and small creatures in a flash!
Grasslands
Ambush
6
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Andalusia, ES
You might spot House Sparrow, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, and Spongy Moth.
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British Columbia, CA
You might spot Bitterroot, Arrowleaf Balsamroot, and Western Stoneseed.
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Liberec Region, CZ
You might spot Red Deer.
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British Columbia, CA
You might spot Broad-Leaved Stonecrop, Western Skunk Cabbage, and Salal.
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Spain, ES
You might spot African Elephant, Tiger, and Giraffes.
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Oregon, US
You might spot Ivy, Plums, Cherries, and Allies, and Tree-Of-Heaven.
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