Mantodea (also known as mantises) is an order under Insecta composed of around 2,200 species in nine families. Members are found in temperate and tropical habitats. The popular name "praying mantises" applies to whole order apparently in reference to the insect's praying-like stance. Though previously used synonymously with the term "mantises," the term "mantids," only applies to a specific family—the family Mantidae—which makes up the most number of the Mantodea population.
Characteristic features of mantises are their pair of spiked forelegs (raptorial legs) which they use to catch and hold their prey, an elongated and flexibly articulated prothorax, a remarkably flexible head capable of turning almost 300 degrees, and compound eyes that enable a large binocular field of vision. Mantises blend well (camouflage) with their surroundings but they also use threatening stances to counter threats from other predators. Moreover, mantises display rocking behavior similar to stick insects.