Pronunciation: [mˈantiz] (IPA) 
The word "mantis" is spelled as /ˈmantɪs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "m" is pronounced with a nasal sound /m/. The "a" is pronounced as a short vowel sound /æ/. The "n" is pronounced as a nasal consonant /n/. The "t" is pronounced with an unvoiced dental stop /t/. The "i" is pronounced as a short vowel sound /ɪ/. The "s" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar fricative /s/. So, the complete pronunciation of "mantis" is /ˈmantɪs/.
A mantis is a carnivorous insect belonging to the order Mantodea, known for its distinctive body structure and predatory behavior. These insects are typically characterized by their elongated, slender bodies, triangular heads, and specialized forelegs developed for grasping prey. They are predominantly found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Mantises possess excellent camouflage, often resembling twigs or leaves, allowing them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings and ambush unsuspecting prey. They are opportunistic hunters and feed primarily on other insects, often capturing them with their powerful front legs and devouring them using their sharp mandibles.
The life cycle of a mantis typically comprises three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Female mantises usually lay numerous eggs enclosed in protective cases, known as oothecae. The nymphs that emerge from these eggs closely resemble miniature adults but lack fully developed wings. They undergo a series of molts, shedding their exoskeletons to grow in size and eventually reach adulthood.
Mantises are valued in agriculture and gardening as they help control pest populations by preying on harmful insects. Due to their unique appearance and fascinating behavior, mantises are also kept as pets by enthusiasts. Additionally, they have become popular subjects of study among scientists and researchers due to their complex visual systems and extraordinary hunting techniques.
A genus of voracious insects, remarkable for their slender grotesque forms; one species having a pair of legs in front, resembles a person's hands as folded in prayer.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mantis" originates from Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "mantis" (μάντις), meaning "prophet" or "seer". This term was used because of the distinctive posture of the praying mantis, which resembles a person in prayer or a prophet in an oracular stance.
