Mantids are predaceous, mainly on other insects, although there are records of them attacking frogs, small birds and mice.
Mantids have a very distinctive body shape with large eyes on a triangular head.
The pronotum is long and the front legs are raptorial for grasping prey. Mantids range from 15 mm to 16 cm long. Many species are camouflaged to resemble foliage, dry sticks, stems or bark, although a few species are brilliantly coloured like the flowers they inhabitat. The wings are fully developed, reduced or absent. The front wings, if present, are leathery.