Interesting mantis....
 

We see one of these around here every now and again, but likely there are a LOT of them. But they blend in with the tree bark so well, that we just really never notice them unless they move.

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/pics/mantis_2016_03.jpg

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/pics/mantis_2016_01.jpg

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/pics/mantis_2016_02.jpg

Connie and I were clearing some small trees and brush from around the little palm trees we planted next to the driveway and I spotted this critter on a small tree I had just topped off.