Animals
Man Befriends 700 Tarantulas: Therapy or Nightmare Fuel?
Aaron Phoenix, a 36-year-old from England, has turned his home into a sanctuary for over 700 tarantulas, finding therapeutic healing in caring for these creatures. He now envisions turning it into a profession, planning to educate and sell spiders to, fellow enthusiasts.
By Odd News Show Staff · March 1, 2024
Aaron Phoenix - aka Spider-Man
In Yate, South Gloucestershire, a 36-year-old named Aaron Phoenix has spun a unique tale of therapeutic healing through a passion for tarantula collecting. Often referred to as a real-life Spider-Man, he has transformed his home into a haven for over 700 tarantulas, each contributing to his mental well-being. You just can’t get by with 699, you know?Aaron's journey into the world of tarantulas began in the summer of 2021, following a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In pursuit of an outlet, he discovered an unexpected solace in caring for these eight-legged creatures. What initially started as a coping mechanism evolved into a profound love for tarantulas. They’re nicer than you think, which isn’t saying much, since you probably don’t think they’re very nice. His collection became a diverse community (representation matters), including the impressive burgundy goliath tarantula with a leg span comparable to a dinner plate. ahouseof1000inverts/Instagram
Burgandy Goliath - "Queen Kong"
Tarantulas belong to the family, Theraphosidae, a diverse group of large and hairy spiders, with over 1,100 identified species. Often popular in the exotic pet trade, these arachnids vary in size, with body lengths ranging from 5 to 11 cm and leg spans from 8 to 30 cm. Their characteristics include urticating hairs that can cause skin irritation and distinctive downward-facing fangs (the less pleasant version of the warm, upward-facing fang). Burrowers by nature, they inhabit environments such as rainforests, deserts, mountains, Hogwarts, and your nightmares. ahouseof1000inverts/Instagram
Meal Time for Phormictopus Auratus
Maintaining such a sizable arachnid population requires a great deal of dedication. To meet their dietary needs, Aaron breeds locusts and mealworms, providing a sustainable food source and significantly reducing the associated costs. I want to be disgusted, but I eat quinoa, so I’m really not one to talk. And honestly, no one should go broke feeding their 700 tarantulas, so it's nice that he's growing them himself. His partner, Jo, and her two teenage daughters have embraced his endeavor, although the increasing number of spiders has prompted plans for a dedicated space to accommodate them. If your partner is okay with your tarantula habit, I have one piece of advice - marry them. ahouseof1000inverts/Instagram
First Show as a Trader Went Well
Beyond his primary occupation, Aaron envisions a future where his passion becomes a profession. Planning to sell spiders to fellow enthusiasts, he is working on a website and preparing a physical spider store. Etsy: For Spiders—it rolls off the tongue! There are challenges in maintaining such an extensive collection: providing them with substrates, cork bark, leaf litter, and sphagnum moss can add up. ahouseof1000inverts/Instagram
Very Photogenic Brachypelma
Aaron has become a guardian of abandoned spiders over the past year and has rescued over 120, offering them a home and care. As he expands his collection, he also seeks to educate others about these misunderstood creatures. In a sense, we are all tarantulas. But in another sense, we aren’t. ahouseof1000inverts/Instagram
Showing how to Hold a Tarantula
He has taken his passion public, offering spider encounters at kids' parties, where he provides a safe and educational experience for children and parents. ahouseof1000inverts/Instagram