The 2,300 species of praying mantises comprise an order of insects called Mantodea. They are found worldwide in temperate climates.
There's a bit of interesting etymology on this bug, which is usually the subject of entomology. First, it is spelled 'praying' mantis, not 'preying'. Those folded arms lend this insect a certain devotional atmosphere.
The word 'mantis' is Greek, and means prophet or fortune teller. Praying prophet? Very appropriate. Mantids so often look like they know something we don't.
But then, preying fortune teller also seems fitting. I've seen enough predatory charlatans out there. These creatures are very good at deception after all.