By Amanda Froelich Truth Theory
Most people are aware that certain animals, such as elephants and chimpanzees, can draw. However, few know that stag beetles — or, at least, one in particular — can pick up a utensil and create artwork, as well. If it sounds phenomenal, that’s because it is.
Spike the stag beetle is somewhat of an internet sensation after his mom, 27-year-old English teacher Mandy, shared a social media post about his ability to draw. Mandy, who prefers not to share her last name and lives in Japan, adopted Spike when she saw his kind being sold at a festival. According to BuzzFeed, the beetles are popular children’s pets in the Asian country. After falling in love with Spike six months ago, she has since adopted three other beetles, named Sally, Julius and Cleo.
Recently, Mandy was playing around with Spike when she wondered what kind of utensils he would be capable of picking up. Apparently, he has a habit of clamping things in his mandibles. If Mandy is not careful, her fingers can get clipped!
art is hard. if you need a break, that’s okay. pic.twitter.com/HMDOIPYUrs
— Spike the Beetle (@SpikeTheBeetle) July 7, 2017
Recalling the evening Spike garnered fame, Mandy said: “That night, I had just taken a few silly pictures of him holding things like utensils, and tried a marker, too. He moved it around on the page, so I took some photos of his ‘work.'”
She then uploaded that artwork to Twitter with the caption: “What do you think? Only constructive criticism, please.”
It is an understatement to say Mandy was blown away by the amount of attention the post garnered. After the post received more than 60,000 retweets, she made her account private and started a new one just or Spike!
spike’s favorite thing in the world – bananas! nothing else gets him as excited. ? pic.twitter.com/cokXEkHF5h
— Spike the Beetle (@SpikeTheBeetle) July 6, 2017
he helps cook? maybe? no pic.twitter.com/NuRICv0pxC
— Spike the Beetle (@SpikeTheBeetle) July 7, 2017
Enthusiasm for his creative abilities has not languished. Fans have been incredibly supportive, as the following Tweets show:
┏┓
┃┃╱╲ in this
┃╱╱╲╲ house
╱╱╭╮╲╲ we
▔▏┗┛▕▔ love
╱▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔╲
spike the art beetle
╱╱┏┳┓╭╮┏┳┓ ╲╲
▔▏┗┻┛┃┃┗┻┛▕▔— valociraptor (@iesrec) July 3, 2017
spike the beetle is,,, a good boy
— blake waldorf ☭ (@vegansauce) July 6, 2017
@SpikeTheBeetle Spike is an amazing artist, very determined to make great pieces pic.twitter.com/7SyTzH2IKs
— Klumpypotamus (@BenK_Animation) July 5, 2017
Currently obsessed with @SpikeTheBeetle pic.twitter.com/xeYG2MTZhK
— Nikstachio Disguisey (@OneTrickTofani) July 7, 2017
In the handful of days that have passed since Spike gained notoriety, Mandy has auctioned off one of his original pieces which, believe it or not, sold for $1,575.00! There’s no question, this beetle is adored. Reportedly, she will be donating 15% of the auction proceeds to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, which works to preserve the habitat of beetles in the UK. The rest will be used to supply the beetles she cares for with food and other supplies — as well as set up Spike’s online shop.
Before the auction was over, Mandy commented: “I thought an auction would be fun, because how do you price a drawing by a beetle? I had no idea, but so many people wanted art from him.”
In addition to auctioning off his artwork, the entrepreneur is selling “I Like Spike” buttons with “thank you” notes from the beetle himself.
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for all the love & support. Reading all your kind words for my lil guy makes my day. thank you!! pic.twitter.com/aKFICBk7C3
— Spike the Beetle (@SpikeTheBeetle) July 7, 2017
“I adore Spike, but taking cute pictures was always just for friends,” said Mandy. “Having this many people love him too is incredibly touching.”
“I often get messages of people who are afraid of bugs, but Spike has helped them start to overcome that fear,” she added. “That means so much to me. Bugs really are cute.”
Read more: Nigerian Student converts VW Beetle Into Eco Frendly Solar & Wind Powered Car
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I am Luke Miller, content manager at Truth Theory and creator of Potential For Change. I like to blend psychology and spirituality to help you create more happiness in your life.Grab a copy of my free 33 Page Illustrated eBook- Psychology Meets Spirituality- Secrets To A Supercharged Life You Control Here