Given the massive scale difference between man and the majority of arachnids, it could be said that this fear is blown way out of proportion and that it is the irrational mind seeing the likes of a tiny spider as an large invading monster as illustrated in the movie 8 legged freaks. So if we realise that this fear is unjustified or illogical (at least in terms of size) then, where does it come from?
Some theories suggest that long ago as our ancestors lived amonsgst nature within forests, jungles and wildernesses, they were more exposed and more likely to be bitten by arachnids including deadly venomous spiders like this black widow (above), small but nonetheless life threatening and arachnophobes would check their living/sleeping area regularly to avoid being bitten, a adaptive or cultural fear carried on in the mind.
Yet many believe this theory is undermined by the disproportional fear of spiders in comparison to other, potentially dangerous creatures during mankind's evolution/adaptation for survival i.e.that scorpion isnt looking so bad now with that tiger approaching. One suggestion is that it goes back further to the reptilian/early mammalian primal brain, as an ancient memory, when fight/flight was triggered to survive huge prehistoric arachnids as seen in this Walking with Monsters clip here.
Despite the uncertain origins of this fear, the mere sight of a spider can trigger a paralysing fear or panic attack in many people, its the movement of 8 legs, the 8 eyes, the colouration, the thin hairy legs and fat egg laying and web weaving abdomen...yikes. It is my (non expert) belief that those affected by this phobia face a fear of the unknown, a threat lacking explanation and origin, this very 'unknowing' of the fear may then draw power from the individuals ignited imagination scaling the actual threat out of proportion.
The allure of arachnophobia has been featured in works of popular fiction, computer games and literature such as J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings', that features the giant ensnaring spider monster known as 'Shelob'. Hollywood has recognised this wide spread fear and capitalised on it (maybe even encouraging it) from old black and white monster movies such as 'Tarantuala' or more modern ones such as 'Arachnophobia', see trailer here.
Such movies like this helped fuel my own slight fear of spiders, I like them enough not to squash them and preferred to lift them with paper and glass leaving them outside but dislike any quick climbing movements or jumping actions and then jump myself as a result. However these are common house, garden, European spiders and I have yet to experience in the (exoskeleton) flesh bigger and meaner looking arachnids.
The best way to deal with a phobia like this in my opinion is exposure, so in closing I'm going to show you some of my favourite creepy spider images, it may give you chills,disgust or hopefully a fascination to find out more and plug some of that 'unknown' fear with knowledge and examination, you may not rid yourself of the loathing or fear completely but you may gain a new respect or admiration for our 8 legged 'friends'.
The Jumping Spider
Funnel Web Spider
Brown Recluse Spider
Giant Camel Spider
Mexican Redknee Tarantula
Wolf Spider
Banana Spider
Orchard Spider
Goliath Bird eating Spider
That's it for now, hope you readers weren't too grossed out by these images, after a while you can actually respect their amazing design, interesting colours/patterns and the other cool things that spiders and other arachnids can offer to observers. Some of these images inspired me to create my own conceptual monsters which I will post up at a later time. Let me know what you think, do arachnids frighten you? Whats the creepiest spider you've seen? More to come from the Phobos Files.
