Ground Mantis
Litaneutria minor
In the sand and gravel habitat of Vekol Valley, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. 29 March 2015. The head, eyes and antennae are at left.
Mantidae -- Praying Mantis Family
Ground mantises could be a lot more abundant than it seems because their camouflage is so exact that it is quite difficult to find them in their usual habitat - bare sand or gravel near desert washes. They catch insects they encounter upon the ground while their own appearance often protects them from insect eating birds and reptiles.