How do you make the praying mantis arms?

You can cut two matching sickle shapes out of stiff green felt or cardboard, draw serrated teeth along the inner edge, and attach them to your forearms using green elastic bands.

What color should a praying mantis costume be?

While most people opt for a bright kelly green or lime green, you can also use brown or tan to mimic a dead-leaf mantis.

Is a praying mantis costume easy to move in?

Yes, if you use a flexible base jumpsuit and lightweight foam or felt for the arm attachments, you will have full mobility.

AI-generated example

Praying Mantis Costume

Embrace your inner insect with folded forelegs and a striking green look.

The praying mantis is a popular costume choice for nature lovers, science enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique, slightly creepy insect look. Known for their triangular heads, bulging eyes, and folded predatory forelegs, this costume stands out at any event. The look centers around a vibrant green color palette, elongated limbs, and the signature 'praying' arm posture.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~90 min
Budget: $25–85

See yourself as Praying Mantis →What you need Buy the Praying Mantis costume

Try it on

See yourself as Praying Mantis

One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.

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One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.

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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.

Praying Mantis costume — Example look · AI-generated

You as Praying Mantis

Result

What you need for a Praying Mantis costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Praying Mantis costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Praying Mantis at Spirit ↗

Green bodysuit or jumpsuit
A solid kelly green or lime green full-body jumpsuit or matching top and leggings set.
DIY: Use a green long-sleeve t-shirt and matching green sweatpants.
Amazon
Mantis headpiece or hood
A matching green hood or beanie featuring two large, bulging green or black eyes made of foam or mesh.
DIY: Glue two painted half-sphere styrofoam balls to a green beanie to create bulging compound eyes.
Amazon
Predatory foreleg attachments
Felt or foam-sculpted serrated forearms that attach to your wrists or upper arms to mimic the folded praying limbs.
DIY: Cut the signature serrated sickle shapes out of stiff green felt or cardboard, paint them green, and attach them to your forearms with elastic bands.
Amazon
Insect wings
Sheer green or translucent fabric wings worn on the back.
DIY: Cut wing shapes out of green cellophane or sheer fabric and wire, then secure them with shoulder straps.
Amazon
Green gloves
Simple green fabric gloves to keep the color scheme consistent down to your fingertips.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Praying Mantis costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the base green jumpsuit or matching green top and pants.
2
Secure the translucent wings to your back using the elastic shoulder straps.
3
Slide the DIY or purchased serrated foreleg attachments onto your forearms, ensuring they point forward.
4
Put on the green gloves to cover your hands.
5
Place the green hood or beanie with the large bulging eyes onto your head, adjusting it so you can see clearly.
6
Practice holding your arms up in the classic folded, stationary 'praying' pose for photos.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair tucked completely inside the green hood or beanie. If any face is visible, apply green face paint around the eyes and cheeks to blend seamlessly into the headpiece.

Praying Mantis for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up with a partner dressed as a gardener, a giant flower, or a doomed mate.
group: Form a swarm of different insects like ladybugs, bumblebees, and grasshoppers.
kids: Use a soft green fleece onesie and attach felt eyes to the hood for a cozy, kid-friendly version.
Plus size: A loose-fitting green hooded track suit provides a comfortable, flexible base for adding the eyes and arm blades.
pet: A lightweight green dog sweater with two soft felt eyes attached to the hood.

Tips

Ensure your forearm attachments are lightweight so you can easily hold the 'praying' pose without fatigue.
If trick-or-treating or walking outdoors, make sure the hood does not block your peripheral vision.
Wear comfortable green sneakers or boots to match the rest of the insect body.
Use stiff felt for the arm blades so they hold their serrated shape without drooping.

Praying Mantis costume FAQ

How do you make the praying mantis arms?: You can cut two matching sickle shapes out of stiff green felt or cardboard, draw serrated teeth along the inner edge, and attach them to your forearms using green elastic bands.
What color should a praying mantis costume be?: While most people opt for a bright kelly green or lime green, you can also use brown or tan to mimic a dead-leaf mantis.
Is a praying mantis costume easy to move in?: Yes, if you use a flexible base jumpsuit and lightweight foam or felt for the arm attachments, you will have full mobility.

Did you know? The praying mantis is the only insect capable of turning its head a full 180 degrees to scan its surroundings.