Advocating for the cause

A podcast I recently listened to called jumping spiders “gateway spiders”, because their cuteness factor is sufficient to overcome many people’s innate aversion to spiders - and from there, it’s all game. 

However, I think that other spiders could do better to support their cause. 

Take Julie, for example. She lives in my garage. She's always holding her very melodramatic upside down pose, in the dustiest corner.

Hey Julie. 

Hey. 

Can I take a couple of pictures?

Sure.

Do you mind moving just a bit? The background is dreadful. We need some color.

No.

No - you don’t mind?

No, I do mind. 

Alright. At least let me come closer.

Mind the web. 

I can’t really see it. 

That’s the point. Duh. 

Why don’t you show off your fangs?

Are you trying to make me look scary?

No, of course not. Just let us see your face, will you?

No. 

Okay. Well. By the way - I’m glad you have all your legs, still. 

Where did you learn your small talk? Can’t say the same about you.

Same - what?

You’re missing two whole pairs of legs, did you not notice?

Julie, I only have two pairs, not four. 

Like, born that way?

Yeah.

That's rough. Is that why you can’t catch your food?

Who said that?

Nina told me. 

Tell Nina to mind her own business. She knows I can’t spin a web.

Eh, she's dead anyway. I’m sorry for you, though. 

That's very thoughtful of you. I appreciate your -

Can I be alone now?

Sure. 

As you can see from the conversation above, while spiders like Victor or Jinny are really good at PR, others really refuse to be the poster-girls for the Human-Spider Reconciliation Movement (HSRM).

And while I don't mind Julie using the garage, she's effectively blocking the side door, with one anchor line running all the way to the ceiling. That's 8 feet of line!

She should at least work on her manners.

Elena Corriero

All photos shot handheld.

OM60mm, f/8.0, 1/200, ISO 200 + Godox V350 Flash & AK diffuser.