What does it mean for a mantis to crouch?

[Patchouli]

Apologies if its been answered, I am new to the forum still, I have an orchid mantis, it seems very curious but I  noticed i was taking photos, and i layed down to get closer to eye level, then the mantis layed down, I sat back up, then the mantis sat up, then I got down and it layed down again, I only assumed it could have been stressed out so I put it back in its enclosure.

For reference the mantis was not out in the open with nothing to grab onto, camera wasnt up in its face, is it stress? I dont want to take any photos if it was stress, thanks.

 

[mantisman 230]

Natural behavior to break up it's outline as an insect. It's trying to hide from you, not stressed out though. Completely fine, many species do something similar.

 

[Patchouli]

Natural behavior to break up it's outline as an insect. It's trying to hide from you, not stressed out though. Completely fine, many species do something similar.

oh awesome, thats really neat, thank you for the reply

 

[Sticky]

It sounds like its playing a game with you!

 

[MantisRCool]

I think she just reacted to what u did they are very perceptive and like to see the face