In not so distant memory, the internet was agog with claims of wolf spiders being attracted to a popular body lotion brand, all stemming from a customer review. The world of spiders is mysteriously enshrined with folktales and legends, a primary cause for arachnophobia in many individuals. Our goal today is to debunk some prevalent myths surrounding spiders, courtesy of some experts. We hope to provide insights on these captivating creatures that might surprise you.
1The Internet Stir Started with a Body Lotion Review
A Reddit post highlighting a one-star review for a lotion, which apparently attracted wolf spiders, stirred a whirlwind of online curiosity. Despite their threatening moniker, UC biology students generally handle wolf spiders without protective gear due to their harmlessness. Rapidly, the Reddit thread swelled with over 700 comments, with customers promising future reviews free of spider- related anecdotes.
The unusual saga piqued interest amongst popular and credible media outlets. The folklore reached critical mass when other Reddit users theorized that the lotion might contain spider mating pheromones or substances signaling mating readiness.
2The Suspected Body Lotion Nightmare: Nothing But a Myth
To allay the fears stirred by the Reddit review, UC biologist, Professor George Uetz, stepped in. His work primarily involves studying wolf spiders and their intricacies. Despite his extensive research into spider behavior, he found no conclusive evidence supporting the claim that wolf spiders are lured by the scent of body butter.
Reacting to the claim that pheromones present in the lotion were attracting mating spiders, Uetz clarified to the New York Post that pheromones tend to be highly species-specific. With a trove of over 200 published studies mainly focused on spiders, Uetz questioned the claims aroused by a Reddit post leading to wide-spread hysteria. “The internet is full of information, but its accuracy can’t always be trusted”, he added.
3Spiders: Eccentric Creatures Deserving Better
Rod Crawford, a spider connoisseur and arachnology curator at The Burke Museum, holds spiders as extraordinary framework shapers of ecosystems. If welcomed, a spider-less world could result in an ecological catastrophe. Appreciating their value starts by dispelling the unjust rumors that surround them.
Busting the common belief that spiders bite humans, Crawford reasoned that spiders have no interest in interacting with humans. Of the over 50,000 spider species globally, only a small percentage enter in close contact with humans. Unlike mosquitoes, ticks, or bedbugs, spiders are not bloodsuckers and have no motive to seek us out.
Regarding waking up with mysterious skin bumps usually attributed to spiders, spider evolution expert Dimitar Stefanov Dimitrov of the University Museum of Bergen-Norway clarified that most spiders’ minuscule fangs might leave an unnoticeable mark if at all they bite.
4Debunking Spider Myths: A Relief From Arachnophobia
Various spider myths have widely circulated, inducing anxiety, fear, and even panic among individuals. However, these claims are baseless. By debunking these terrifying tales, we hope every reader can attain a sense of relief regarding these misunderstood creatures.
5Do We Swallow Spiders in Our Sleep?
Multiple online platforms and publications have propagated the idea that humans unknowingly swallow up to eight spiders annually while asleep. However, Crawford informs that there is no documented evidence to back this claim. According to him, spiders donโt find our odorous, humid, and panting mouths attractive. โThe air current would disturb the tiny sensory hairs covering their bodies,” Crawford explains.
6Can Spiders Lay Eggs Under Your Skin?
This horror story typically spins tales of a person returning from a tropical vacation with a growing bump on her cheek that eventually releases hundreds of tiny spiders. While this dread-inducing tale is widespread, Crawford states no such event has ever occurred. In fact, spiders lack the means and the desire to burrow into human flesh to lay eggs.
7Do Spiders Come Indoors During Cold Weather?
While some spiders thrive outdoors, others prefer living indoors. These distinct species seldom interact. Outdoor spiders occasionally stray indoors, yet those acclimatized to lower temperatures show no inclination to seek warmth inside our cozy homes. If you see a spider near your sink or bathtub, it’s usually a house spider in search of a drink, as indoor water sources are scarce.
A fascinating, yet completely true spider fact is about spider silk. While it might seem implausible, it indeed stands the test of truth.
