Mantis
Proper noun form
A mantis is a predatory insect with an elongated body, triangular head, and distinctive forelegs held folded as if in prayer—hence the common name praying mantis.
Mantises are known for their patient, motionless hunting and for the female's tendency to devour the male during or after mating.
The plural is mantises or mantes.
Addressing a deity
- predatorOrganism that consumes others
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
compound eyes · thorax · abdomen · legs · wings · molt · nymph · egg case
Focused attention practice
- prayerAddress to deity
- stillnessComplete lack of motion
- patienceCalm during delays
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
contemplation · zen · spiritual · calm · wisdom · focus · serenity · martial arts
Chinese martial discipline
- styleDistinctive way of expression
- stanceStanding posture or viewpoint
- techniqueSkilled way of performing
- defenseProtection against harm
strike · form · Chinese · Shaolin · combat · movement · fighting · imitation
Forceful impact or stoppage
- preyAnimal being hunted
- patienceCalm during delays
- stillnessComplete lack of motion
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
lightning-fast · reflexes · capture · devour · stealth · wait · motionless · precision
praying
Addressing a deity
- predatorOrganism that consumes others
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
antennae · compound eyes · thorax · abdomen · legs · wings · molt · nymph · egg case · ambush
meditation
Focused attention practice
mindfulness · contemplation · zen · spiritual · calm · wisdom · focus · serenity · martial arts · kung fu
kung fu
Chinese martial discipline
- styleDistinctive way of expression
- stanceStanding posture or viewpoint
- techniqueSkilled way of performing
defense · strike · form · Chinese · Shaolin · combat · movement · fighting · imitation · mimic
strike
Forceful impact or stoppage
ambush · lightning-fast · reflexes · capture · devour · stealth · wait · motionless · precision · attack
cannibalism
Intraspecies flesh consumption
- femaleOffspring-bearing sex
- maleSperm-producing sex
- decapitationSevering head from body
reproduction · courtship · sexual · devour · mate · fertility · eggs · risk · approach · cautious
- Fictional BugsJiminy Cricket, Heimlich, Francis, Bugsy, Jiminy
- Arthropod GeneraAnopheles, Drosophila, Formica, Vespa, Vanessa
- MarvelIron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, Avengers, Thor
- Kung Fu PandaPo, Crane, Kai, panda, kung fu
- Sci-Fi CharactersLuke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Princess Leia, Chewbacca
- superheroesSuperman, Batman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Thor
- praying mantisPredatory insect with grasping forelegs
- praying mantisesPredatory insects with grasping forelimbs
- mantis shrimpPowerful-clawed marine crustacean