Mantis

Mantises are mutated creatures in Fallout, Fallout 2, and Fallout: New Vegas.

Background
Mantises have grown in size due to exposure to radiation, and are commonly encountered in the southwestern United States. The giant variants of the Mojave Wasteland were experimented on in Vault 22. The females lay eggs in oothecae. Mantis forelegs are utilized for the Mantis Gauntlet, and can also be grilled or served with marsala.

Giant mantis


A giant version of the pre-War praying mantis. According to the G.E.C.K. they have the highest count of creatures in Fallout New Vegas.

Giant mantis female
These female giant mantises are more powerful than male giant mantises, and larger too. They can be a source of mantis eggs.

Giant mantis nymph


Young giant mantises who appear much smaller and weaker than adults. With a high enough strength, they can be killed by stepping on them.

Behind the scenes
In the Fallout Bible, mantises are mentioned as having been exposed to the Forced Evolutionary Virus.