There's a reason some people around the world have a genuine fear of spiders. They have eight eyes (who needs to see that much?), eight legs (what's with all the legs?), they hide in your house (please get out) and some will kill you (please don't).
But because evolution and nature are wonderful things, it can even lead some spiders to have glowing fucking fangs. Introducing the Segestria Florentina or more commonly known as a tube web spider.
You'd hopefully think they reside in some dark corner of the Amazon, they are unfortunately pretty common in Britain, mostly in the southern coastal areas, but they're also being found inland. While one on its own is kind of spine tingling, imagine having 100 casually making your home their home.
Grant Wood's house in Bracknell, Northamptonshire, became infested with them about a year ago, but they've since quadrupled.
Check out his seemingly chilled encounter with one here.
Credit: Mercury Press
Advert
The 40-year-old says: "Most people's reaction to seeing them is, 'fuck that', everyone has been quite shocked by it. Tube webs like being outside and they don't tend to move from where they are. It is quite a rarity to have this many. I was shocked when I saw them.
"They don't scare me personally. I've always been interested in spiders. However, about two weeks ago one jumped on my head. I did a bit of a Kung Fu dance when it happened.
"When I first saw them, there was easily more than a hundred but they have quadrupled in numbers now. It seems to be a big year for spiders. I seem to have a knack for finding them."
But it's probably not the best idea to be prodding and poking them with a stick. While they usually consume moths, insects and cockroaches, they can and will bite humans if they're provoked. They inject two neurotoxins and one insecticide in their venom, and apparently it fucking hurts.
They're so cute (Credit: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez/Creative Commons)
Advert
It's described as like a deep injection and the pain can last for several hours.
Grant adds: "Spiders are one of nature's best pest controllers, perhaps that's why I get along with them so well.
"They hide away so people don't get to see them. Their fangs glow green. When you walk past them with a torch and it shines in their eyes it is like little bits of diamonds looking at you."
Advert
Imagine that calming sight when you're walking in the door at night.
Featured Image Credit: Mercury PressTopics: Spiders