What is the meaning of "praying mantis"?

A praying mantis is so named because of the way the front legs are positioned; these legs appear to be held like hands in prayer. Most mantises belong to the mantidae family of insects and are found in warm or tropical climates.

Praying mantises are quick and deadly predators. Their natural color makes it easy to camouflage themselves in trees and plants. They typically lie in wait until prey is close enough to ambush and strike faster than the human eye can see. They prefer insects like grasshoppers, moths and crickets. Praying mantises sometimes eat their own kind, particularly females, who occasionally eat males they are mating with.