A fact from Deroplatys desiccata appeared on Wikipedia's Main Page in the Did you know column on 2 August 2008, and was viewed approximately 6,100 times (disclaimer) (check views). The text of the entry was as follows:
Did you know... that the Giant Dead Leaf Mantis(pictured) falls to the ground and lies motionless when threatened?
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Latest comment: 12 years ago1 comment1 person in discussion
There are some major problems with the cultivation section. First, it gives three anecdotal endorsements of the species. Anecdotes are personal views or experiences, they are not facts. (That is to say, they are facts about the author, not facts about the subject.) Second, there is how to advice on raising them, which is not appropriate for an encyclopedia: Wikipedia is not a How To Guide. Third: The whole tone also seems awfully promotional, as if Wikipedia is somehow encouraging people to chose this mantis as a pet. Fourth: The sources are referenced as "one keeper" and "another keeper" which is tantamount to "this one guy on line." These are not Reliable Sources, and even if they were, presenting them this way makes them seem unreliable. Outcome: I'm going to try a quick rewrite, leaving the information intact, but improving the text to a more encyclopedic style. If anyone wants to then improve by adding more information, please do so, but avoid phrasing it in casual language, referencing internet hearsay, or phrasing it in terms of "you should do x in order to get outcome y" Avgusztyn (talk) 20:37, 25 April 2012 (UTC)Reply
