Back in July I confessed that I had a fear of spiders, but was determined to overcome it by forcing myself to handle them. Read the post here.
Last night I was relaxing on the sofa, when I noticed a rather large White Tail walking on the curtain close to my head (adrenaline spike now). I grabbed a glass and captured it. There are times in life when we have the choice to be courageous or cowardice. This was one of those times. I told Kristy grab the camera (photographic proof), and let the thing loose on my arm.
There is much debate as to how dangerous White Tail bites really are. This chart shows the White Tail is extreme on both aggression and venom scales.
After a few minutes I dropped the spider on the ground and as I placed the glass over it, it lunged (super quick) at my finger and attempted to bite it. Lucky the glass was between me and it. Nasty creatures.
I was there guys… and it was scary!
Posted by kristy | September 9, 2008, 10:52 amplease don’t ever do this again!!!!!
I have a friend who lost a finger to one.
They are hideous things!
Posted by arna | September 9, 2008, 11:04 amYou should have a little trip to South Africa and experience some of that REAL spider action! It will make that white tail seem like a little toy that it is! ;) You have conquered your fear of spiders, and for that, you deserve one of these, *YAY!* I should try that with a mouse. *shudder*
Posted by Fifi | September 9, 2008, 11:16 amwhat happened to the spider next?
Posted by lesmondj | September 9, 2008, 11:27 amWas tempted to own it, but my animial-loving nature got the better of me… I let it go outside. I hope it remembers the kind deed.
Posted by Symon | September 9, 2008, 11:37 amfifi, I’m getting the boys pet mice for Christmas. You’ll have to come over and play with them ;-)
Posted by Symon | September 9, 2008, 11:38 amwhen you squash white tails they’ve got this awesome white-guey substance that comes out…
Posted by Jase | September 9, 2008, 1:29 pmFlip oh dear, I don’t know if I would have been gutsy enough to do that. Good effort!
Posted by Jon Dylan | September 9, 2008, 2:54 pmYou legend Symon. I hear there are massive bird eating spiders in papa new guinea try them next.
Posted by tweed jacket | September 9, 2008, 8:08 pmI’m with tweed jacket on this one…that would be a great adventure! ;)Eeeeew! Mice smell popa Symon, I’m pretty sure they have rabies..
Posted by Fifi | September 9, 2008, 9:49 pmFifi, let me correct you if I may. Only male mice smell.
Posted by Symon | September 9, 2008, 10:33 pmLOL! I rest my case.
Posted by Fifi | September 9, 2008, 11:51 pm