About

ABOUT ME:

My full name is Lester Wayne Daniels.... And no, I'm not an entomologist, biologist, or a conservationist (I probably should be!). I'm a full time police officer with a fetish for insects and nature. I've been studying these insects since my childhood where I used to collect and raise them in my mother's garden. Even to this day, my same enthusiasm for them still remains. I enjoy outdoor nature photography as well as contact sports. I also enjoy the internet, paleontology, action and horror movies, and collecting dinosaur and Japanese Godzilla toys.

My hometown is originally Sandusky, Ohio which is located between Toledo and Cleveland and is commonly referred to as "Cedar Point," Ohio. I moved to Fremont in 1998 as a career choice where I now view these unique creatures from my back yard on daily basis!

the "Mantis"

Mantis ("man-tis") or Mantids ("man-tids") - belong to the Phylum Arthropoda and the Class Insecta (or insects) which are those creatures described as having three body parts (head, thorax, & abdomen), two antennae, and six legs. Mantids belong to the order Mantodea which comprises of over 2400 known species across the globe. Most species are tropical where they range in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

Mantids have triangular heads with large compound eyes and sharp mandibles for cutting and chewing. They have swiveling necks that can turn their heads nearly 180 degrees. They also have long slender bodies with enlarged forelimbs adapted for capturing prey. When in a striking stance, they resemble a person in prayer, hence the common alias "Praying Mantis" which is generally referred to for most species.

Of the known species in North America, 2 introduced species have become widespread and the most popular. The European Mantis (Mantis religiosa) and the one featured on this website, the Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis - formerly known as "Tenodera aridifolia sinensis").

The Chinese Mantis was accidentally introduced into the United States around the year 1896 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is now used as a biological control agent. Their effectiveness remains in question since they have cannibalistic habits, eat pest species, and beneficial ones too. This species lives in temperate climates and originated from China and other nearby Asian regions, hence its name.

The Chinese Mantis is the largest species of mantis in the United States, growing up to a length of 5 inches. People intentionally breed them as pets and sell their egg nests which helps disperse their populations into numerous colonies across the Eastern and Central United States.

The term "mantis" originated from the Greek language meaning “prophet” or “seer,” where they were regarded to be god-like creatures with supernatural powers.

In France, it's believed that if you are lost, a mantis will point you the way back home.

The "praying mantis" is also deemed by the African Bushman as a divine messenger and the oldest manifestation of God come to Earth: “The voice of the infinite in the small.”

In China, two forms of martial arts were created based upon the posture and movements of these animals.

Do you also like cicadas? If so, then click the banner link below and visit my other website, the...

"GREAT LAKES CICADA PAGE!"

References Cited:

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