Face it, life is much more fun when you’ve got pets around. Yes, having a pet is a huge responsibility, but ask any pet owner and they will give you a million reasons why it’s worth having one at home. Life is hard as it is, so having a furry (or hairless, or with a shell, or whatever) companion to say hi whenever you return home or to be with when you go out for walks is certainly a treat. The best part about it is that there is such a huge variety of pets that you can have—everything from cats, dogs, rats and gerbils to turtles, lizards, ants, snakes or even tarantulas.
Or, you can do what Samantha Steatoda did and get yourself a praying mantis. Yes, that one very cool-looking insect that can snap any other insect in half like a twig. Bored Panda got in touch with Samantha Steatoda, who told us all about Mavis, her adorable pet giant Asian mantis.
More info: Facebook | Instagram
Meet Mavis, the adorable giant Asian mantis who spends much of her day trying out miniature furniture
Image credits: mavisthemantis
This is Mavis. When she’s not chomping on bugs, the adorable praying mantis spends much of her day trying out miniature furniture. Mavis is specifically the giant Asian mantis, which are overall larger than other members of its species. These are also the most popular choice of pets among mantises.
Samantha Steatoda, Mavis’ owner, loves her so much that she buys her miniature furniture
Samantha had arachnophobia. In hopes of overcoming her fears, she joined some spider and bug groups on Facebook. “I started learning about spiders and other critters, thanks to those who are entomologists and arachnologists in those groups. Conquered my arachnophobia and picked up interests on wildlife in general,” Samantha told Bored Panda.
Image credits: mavisthemantis
Image credits: mavisthemantis
When asked why a praying mantis, of all animals, Samantha explained just how comfortable she got with creepy crawlies: “Why not? I’m a owner of a couple tarantulas. I adore jumping spiders and keep those. A praying mantis isn’t too extreme. Plus, both jumping spiders and praying mantises will chase after laser pointers, that’s pretty cute!”
Image credits: mavisthemantis
Image credits: mavisthemantis
Mavis has become a bit of a furniture reviewer on her Instagram. What began as a rather spontaneous decision now draws thousands of followers and shows how cute praying mantises can really be. “Saw a cute purple chair and thought it was mantis sized! Continued going on from there,” explained Samantha.
Image credits: mavisthemantis
Image credits: mavisthemantis
Mavis has already tried out fancy sofas and sofa chairs, tables, chairs, fireplaces, fridges, benches, lounging chairs—you name it, she probably tried it. Her most recent purchase is a bathtub, equipped with a shower curtain for her to climb on.
Image credits: mavisthemantis
Image credits: mavisthemantis
Considering that Mavis is a tiny insect, Samantha is often asked about where and how she keeps her. “She has a decorative birdcage that I personally set up with plastic on the bottom and screen at the top. The furniture are props for pictures. I wish she lived that fancy. Someday, I hope to find a doll house that would be easy to turn into an enclosure.”
Image credits: mavisthemantis
While pets are a huge responsibility, Samantha reassures us that praying mantises are no problem to look after: “Easy pets to care for. I get asked what she eats, I feed her dubia roaches. I mist her cage everyday. Only downfall is they both have short lifespans. 6 months to 18 months, depending on the species and the sex.”
Image credits: mavisthemantis
Image credits: mavisthemantis
Traditionally, bugs are not the first choice for pet owners, but Mavis makes a pretty good case for all praying mantises by simply being super adorable around miniature furniture. You can follow Mavis on her Instagram to see more of her cuteness.
Here’s how the Internet reacted to the adorable Mavis the Mantis
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