Praying insects that prey WSJ Crossword Clue

By Date: JAN 29, 2026 Follow on Google

Crossword Answer

Click ? to reveal letters one by one before showing the full answer.

hint

Need a Hint? Try Solving It Yourself First

Use our Hints & Tips to uncover the answer.

Hint 1

hint

Hint 2

meaning

Hint 3

explanation
questions

Frequently Asked Questions About This Clue

The most common and recent 8-letter answer for "Praying insects that prey" is MANTISES.
The clue is a play on words: 'praying' refers to the posture of the mantis, which looks like it's praying, while 'prey' hints at its predatory nature. Mantises are known for their distinctive front legs held together as if in prayer, and they are skilled hunters.
This clue was last seen in the WSJ Crossword on January 29, 2026.
Mantises are predatory insects known for their upright posture and folded front legs that resemble praying hands.

The clue “Praying insects that prey” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated January 29 2026, the definitive 8-letter answer is: MANTISES.

Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

Finished the WSJ Puzzle? Check out this link for future puzzles:

Play the Official Game