Apparently it prays and preys (6)
I believe the answer is:
mantis
'it prays and preys' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mantis that I've seen before include "It appears to be praying but is more likely preying" , "Praying ..., long-bodied, large-eyed insect" , "Carnivorous insect, which rests as if in prayer" , "Praying insect at matins" , "Preying animal, the female of which is deadlier than the male!" .)