The Baetic ground mantis (Rivetina baetica) is a large species (45–75 mm) native to dry, open scrublands and semi-deserts across the Mediterranean and North Africa. Unlike tree-dwelling mantises, this species lives almost exclusively on the ground, using its dull brown or gray coloration to blend seamlessly into rocky soils. An ambush predator, it remains motionless for hours before snapping up passing prey with lightning-fast raptorial legs. At night, females dig shallow pits in the soil to deposit their egg cases (oothecae), carefully burying them with loose dirt for protection. I encountered this large female while visiting friends in a village near Beja, Tunisia. Her camouflage was so convincing that I only spotted her when she moved. I tried capturing a few more shots, but the harsh, blinding sunlight made photography quite a challenge!