The Mantis Species section introduces different types of praying mantises from around the world, including common garden mantises, large mantises, colorful mantises, and unusual species with special camouflage. Many people use the phrase “praying mantis” broadly, but mantises include many species with different sizes, colors, habitats, and behaviors. Some are green and leaf-like, while others are brown, bark-colored, flower-like, or adapted to blend into dry vegetation. These species guides are designed for beginners who want to compare appearance, range, body shape, behavior, and identification clues. Use this section to learn how mantis species differ and why location, life stage, and habitat matter when trying to recognize one.