Will a praying mantis bite a person?
Generally, mantises are protected simply by means of concealment. When directly threatened, many mantis species stand tall and spread their forelegs, with their wings fanning out wide. The fanning of the wings makes the mantis seem larger and more threatening, with some species having bright colors and patterns on their hind wings and inner surfaces of their front legs for this purpose. If harassment persists, a mantis may then strike with its forelegs and attempt to pinch or bite. The common mantis found in North America is not poisonous and does not sting. A mantis will bite if you hold it and annoy it, but it can’t hurt you unless you have very thin skin. An average adult would only feel a pinch without any other effect.
