The name comes from the Greek word meaning prophet because they appear to be praying when their forelegs are clasped together. They are carnivorous and are equipped with sharp spines along their front legs to grasp prey. The mantis is a very unique insect in that it can turn its head 180 degrees, has only one ear and some are large enough to capture humming birds.
The Mantis is an all-environment bipedal walker used by the UNSC military. An evolution of earlier research and development involving military exoskeletons, the Mantis also integrates many technologies – such as shield generators and neural interface controls - created for the Spartans’ MJOLNIR power armor. The Mantis weapon package consists of a M655 20mm rotary autocannon and six-chamber M5920 rocket launcher.