Illinois Mantids is a group committed to developing insects of the order Mantodea as models for understanding Illinois biodiversity. The scratchpads format is being utilized to foster an open, communication oriented approach that promotes learning across age groups, educational background and professional affiliation. Major themes include:

• sensory ecology (Sensory adaptations for interacting with their environment)

• life history (Development related strategies)

• predator-prey relationships (Finding food, avoiding being somebody else's food)

• phylogeny (Genealogical relationships, taxonomy and classification)

• fossil record (New research suggests Carboniferous mantids)

• native vs. introduced species (the distinction and significance of these and related issues)

• history and nature of science (changes in perspectives over time and value to understanding)

We have had six days in a row with high temperatures in the 80s. Today the high temperature reached 90. Keep a close watch on your egg cases... I think we are nearing favorable conditions for a hatch or two.

Champaign-Urbana, Illinois weather has been characterized as cold and wet. Jim Angel, state climatologist, reports that "the statewide precipitation this spring was 15.9 inches, 4.5 inches above normal and the 5th wettest spring since statewide records began in 1895." He also reports, in regard to April, that "cooler than normal temperatures accompanied the wet weather, leading a statewide average temperature of 51.3 degrees (1 degree below normal)."

How could this weather trend play a role in determining when our eggcases hatch?

You can stay updated on the Champaign-Urbana high temperature data maintained by the Illinois State Water Survey.