General: Praying Mantids, and the California Mantid (Stagmomantis californica) in particular, are green or brown ambush predators that lie in wait with their long forelegs folded as if praying. When a prey item comes within range, they reach out and grab it.

The individual here is a female, which is apparent because females of this genus are wingless.

Taxonomy: Class Insecta (Insects), Mantodea (Mantids), Family Mantidae.