Mantis Identified at Dog Park Refuses to Leave, Becomes Unlikely Neighborhood Celebrity

A Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis) that appeared at the Willowbrook Dog Park three weeks ago has refused to vacate a particular wooden bench, becoming what the neighborhood has embraced as a 'tiny, judgmental mascot.' The mantis, christened Gerald by park regulars, was first noticed by dog walker Sheila Parsons on a Tuesday morning. 'He was sitting on the armrest in that classic mantis pose — front legs folded, head slightly cocked, looking at my labrador like he was a disappointment,' Parsons said. Gerald has since taken up what appears to be permanent residence on the bench, which regular patrons now refer to as 'Gerald's bench.' An informal schedule of Gerald sightings posted on the community bulletin board indicates he is present from approximately 7 AM to dusk, at which point he retreats beneath the bench slats. 'He watches the dogs,' said park regular Tom Ferris. 'Not with fear or interest. With what I can only describe as mild contempt. My German shepherd weighs 85 pounds and won't go near that bench.' Local entomologist Dr. Kenji Hemiptera confirmed that Gerald is an adult female — 'mantises of this size are almost certainly female, which also means Gerald may eat a suitor at some point, which the park should probably prepare for.' The park has installed a small sign reading 'Please Do Not Disturb Gerald' and someone has left a thimble-sized water dish on the bench, which Gerald has not used but also has not rejected. A petition to name Gerald the official park mascot has received 340 signatures. Gerald's response has been to slowly turn her head 180 degrees toward the petition clipboard and stare at it.