Devouring prey alive and biting off a mate’s head – these 9 praying mantis photos are jaw-dropping

When it strikes, the praying mantis moves with explosive speed...

Mantis with insect prey — The name 'praying mantis' comes from the insect's distinctive, folded position of its front legs, as though they are in prayer. This position is usually assumed while resting or while in ambush, and can extend rapidly to hook their victim (credit: Getty)

BBC Wildlife Magazine

Published: February 28, 2026 at 3:50 pm

The praying mantis is a specialised predator, known for eating its prey alive – typically starting with the head.

They lurk, camouflaged in their surroundings, then pounce, their lightning-fast reflexes helping them seize insects, small reptiles and even birds.

They also have one of the most unusual mating habits in the animal kingdom, with females biting off the heads of their mates after (or often during) the mating process.

See the praying mantis in action with these incredible – and slightly gruesome – photos.

Brutal praying mantis photos

Close-up of a green mantis climbing on a branch, Indonesia — Praying mantises are expert climbers, thanks to the sticky pads on their feet and claws that dig into surfaces. This means they are able to navigate complex vertical surfaces with ease, and are well adapted for life in the trees. Credit: Lessydoang/Getty Images

Close-up of insect on leaf,France — The mouth of a praying mantis is perfectly adapted for its predatory lifestyle. Its mandibles (jawbones) are designed to grasp the bodies of its prey, immobilising them instantly. They then bite down, breaking the prey into pieces. Credit: Eric/Getty Images

Very close-up shot of a praying mantis (manta religiosa) devouring a wasp. Green insect from the front, rest of the body blurred towards the background. Scene taken outside in full sun on a wooden grating. Image that expresses the voracity of an efficient and ruthless predator. — Despite the potential risks associated with a wasp's sting, a praying mantis can use its powerful front legs to immobilise wasps. Credit: Veronique Monin/Getty Images

Sexual cannibalism, Close-up portrait of large female green praying mantis eats the male after mating on tree branch covered with lichen. Transcaucasian tree mantis (Hierodula transcaucasica) — The female praying mantis will sometimes kill her partner after mating. She may even bite the head off the male, after which the act of mating may continue. Credit: Andriy Nekrasov/Getty Images

Mantis with insect prey — The name 'praying mantis' comes from the distinctive, folded position of the insect's front legs, as though it is in prayer. This position is usually assumed while resting or in ambush. Credit: Kuritafsheen/Getty Images

Female mantis eats male on a twig — A female praying mantis captures a male and begins to bite off its head. Male mantises are thinner and more lightweight, with long wings used for flying to find mates. Credit: Ullstein Bild/Getty Images

Praying mantis eats dragonfly — A praying mantis devours a skimmer dragonfly. Dragonflies are agile fliers, but often fall prey to mantises, who camouflage themselves in the foliage, waiting for the right moment to pounce. Credit: De Agostini Picture Library/Getty Images

Green praying mantis eats locust — The bulk of a praying mantis's diet will come from live insects, such as locusts, beetles, flies and crickets. But they may also prey on larger animals, such as spiders, frogs and lizards. Credit: Alexandra Jursova/Getty Images

Wasp approaches praying mantis — Praying mantises blend into their environment and typically ambush their prey. Here, a praying mantis finishes off a monarch butterfly. A wasp approaches, trying to scavenge part of the meal from the mantis. Credit: Michael Lee/Getty Images

Top image: Mantis with insect prey. Credit: Kuritafsheen/Getty Images

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