Mantidae


Mantidae is one of the largest families in the order of praying mantids, based on the type species Mantis religiosa; however, most genera are tropical or subtropical. Historically, this was the only family in the order, and many references still use the term "mantid" to refer to any mantis. Technically, however, "mantid" refers only to members of the family Mantidae, and not the 14 remaining families of mantises. Some of the most recent classifications have promoted a number of the mantid subfamilies to the rank of family, e.g. Iridopterygidae, Sibyllidae, Tarachodidae, Thespidae, and Toxoderidae, while other classifications have reduced the number of subfamilies without elevating to higher rank.
Many species are found in North America, the three most common being the European mantis, the Chinese mantis, and the Carolina mantis. Of these, only the last is native to the continent – M. religiosa and T. sinensis were introduced in the 20th century as predators in an attempt to control pest populations in gardens.
Many mantises prey on Polybia occidentalis, a swarm-founding wasp. As the wasps leave the nest to forage, the mantises prey on them.

Subfamilies, Tribes and selected Genera

Following the major revision of the Mantodea in 2019, the Mantodea Species File includes ten subfamilies:

Choeradodinae

The Americas, Asia
Africa
Africa, Asia, Australia - selected genera:
Australia
;tribe Mellierini
;tribe Rhodomantini
Central America
Africa, Europe
South America