praying mantis
nounmasculine/ˈlo.vɐ.ɐ.ˈðewʃ/medium
lou·va-a-deus
Definition
Insect of the order Mantodea, with an elongated body, triangular head, and forelegs adapted for grasping prey, held in a posture reminiscent of prayer.
The praying mantis remained perfectly still on the leaf. / A praying mantis egg case is called an ootheca.
Etymology
Locução substantiva formada por 'louva' (do verbo louvar) + 'a' + 'deus'. Alusão à postura das patas dianteiras, como se estivessem em prece.