The story
Because it rears up when disturbed.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
rear-horse
Today it means: A mantis (Mantodea spp.), especially a Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina) Full definition →
Today it means: A mantis (Mantodea spp.), especially a Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina) Full definition →
Because it rears up when disturbed.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.