mantis shrimp

mantis shrimp
    n 1: tropical marine burrowing crustaceans with large grasping
         appendages [syn: {mantis shrimp}, {mantis crab}]
    

Squilla \Squil"la\ (skw[i^]l"l[.a]), n.; pl. E. {Squillas}
   (-l[.a]z), L. {Squillae} (-l[=e]). [L., a sea onion, also, a
   prawn or shrimp. See {Squill}.] (Zool.)
   Any one of numerous stomapod crustaceans of the genus
   {Squilla} and allied genera. They make burrows in mud or
   beneath stones on the seashore. Called also {mantis shrimp}.
   See Illust. under {Stomapoda}.
   [1913 Webster]
    

Mantis \Man"tis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a prophet.] (Zool.)
   Any one of numerous species of voracious orthopterous insects
   of the genus {Mantis}, and allied genera. They are predacious
   long-bodied large-eyed insects of warm regions, are
   remarkable for their slender grotesque forms, and for holding
   their stout anterior legs in a manner suggesting hands folded
   in prayer. The common American species is {Mantis Carolina}.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Mantis shrimp}. (Zool.) The {Squilla}, a tropical marine
      burrowing crustacean with large grasping appendages. Also
      called {mantis crab} and {mantis prawn}.
      [1913 Webster]