Quick answer
Praying Mantiss (Mantis religiosa) are insects found across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania. The patient ambush predator with folded arms. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.005 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 11 km/h (7 mph), and live Up to about 1 year. They feed on carnivore (insects and other small prey) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Warm and temperate regions worldwide, including Europe, Africa, and Asia, with species introduced to North America.
Key takeaway
Praying Mantiss (Mantis religiosa) are insects found across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania. The patient ambush predator with folded arms. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.005 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 11 km/h (7 mph), and live Up to about 1 year. They feed on carnivore (insects and other small prey) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Warm and temperate regions worldwide, including Europe, Africa, and Asia, with species introduced to North America.
Praying Mantis overview
Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa) is a insect listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.005 kg; lifespan around Up to about 1 year.
Praying Mantis ecology
Diet: Carnivore (insects and other small prey). Habitat: Gardens, meadows, shrubs, woodlands. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Praying Mantiss and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild praying mantiss are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Praying Mantis profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Praying Mantises inhabit Warm and temperate regions worldwide, including Europe, Africa, and Asia, with species introduced to North America. Their preferred habitat includes gardens, meadows, shrubs, woodlands, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term per
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult praying mantises typically measure about 0.075 m in length and weigh roughly 0.005 kg (0 lb). They can sprint at up to 11 km/h (7 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Praying Mantiss are known for the patient ambush predator with folded arms — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Praying Mantis FAQs
What are key facts about praying mantiss?
Praying Mantiss (Mantis religiosa) are insects found across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania. The patient ambush predator with folded arms. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.005 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 11 km/h (7 mph), and live Up to about 1 year. They feed on carnivore (insects and other small prey) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Warm and temperate regions worldwide, including Europe, Africa, and Asia, with species introduced to North America.
What is the scientific name of the praying mantis?
Mantis religiosa — used in research and conservation listings for praying mantiss.
What do praying mantiss eat?
Praying Mantiss eat insects and other small prey, with seasonal and regional variation in Gardens, meadows, shrubs, woodlands.
Where do praying mantiss live?
They are associated with Gardens, meadows, shrubs, woodlands. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of praying mantiss?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.