The largest species of this order is the African Mantis. The females of this species can attain a length of up to 12 inches. There have been reports of scientists discovering an unidentified species of mantis in southern China in the 1920s of 18 inches (45 cm.), but this is unconfirmed. Some larger species have been known to capture and consume frogs, lizards, mice, small birds, and even snakes.