Crossword Genius

Praying mantis, say, as part of religious group? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

insect

'praying mantis say' is the definition.
(praying mantis is a kind of insect)

'part of religious group?' is the wordplay.
'part of' becomes 'in' (I've seen this in other clues).
'religious group?' becomes 'sect' (I've seen this before).
'in'+'sect'='INSECT'

'as' is the link.

(Other definitions for insect that I've seen before include "Bug" , "Member of the largest class of creatures" , "Worthless person" , "Invertebrate, often winged" , "Six-legged animal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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