A man living in England has been dubbed the “Real-Life Spider-Man” for keeping over 300 venomous spiders in his home.
Aaron Phoenix, 35, resides in Yate, England, and began collecting spiders in the summer of 2021 as a way to cope with a mental health condition he was diagnosed with. Psychologists advised Aaron to find a passion after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression.
From his first spiders, Aaron discovered a particular passion for these eight-legged creatures and continuously sought to increase the number in his collection.
Over the past year, Aaron has collected more than 300 tarantulas, a species of venomous spider. All the spiders in his collection were purchased, with the most expensive one costing £165, a female tarantula originating from Mexico.
In the near future, Aaron plans to breed the spiders he currently owns instead of purchasing more.
The venomous spiders that Aaron Phoenix keeps in his home. (Video: VPress).
Aaron Phoenix currently lives with his girlfriend Jo, 46, and her two children. Aaron’s spiders are housed in separate enclosures in a dedicated room to avoid disturbing other family members.
His unusual hobby has earned him the nickname “Spider-Man” from friends and family. Aaron states that the spiders provide him with a sense of peace, and he has no intention of stopping his expansion of the venomous spider collection.
“Everyone has a passion, and mine is for spiders,” Aaron Phoenix said. “People around me, including delivery drivers, call me ‘Spider-Man’ because every week they bring me packages containing spiders that I have ordered.”
“I love my spiders very much. I can sit and watch them for hours without taking my eyes off them,” Aaron added. “I have had some tough moments that affected my mental health, but now, my spirits and well-being have truly improved thanks to the spiders.”
Initially, his girlfriend and her two children were quite frightened by his passion, but once they realized that the spiders had a positive effect on Aaron’s mental state, they began to support his hobby.
In addition to over 300 tarantulas, Aaron also keeps 3 scorpions, 3 praying mantises, and a centipede. He spends most of his free time in the insect room caring for and observing these creatures.
“I check on them every morning and evening whenever I have free time. I am truly fascinated by them; they come in various sizes, shapes, and colors,” Aaron shared.
Now, Aaron has gained fame on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for his unique passion. Many people also refer to him as “the Real-Life Spider-Man.” In the future, Aaron plans to open his own shop to sell the spiders he breeds as a way to share his passion.
All tarantulas are venomous. Although their venom is not deadly, bites can cause swelling, pain, or infections. For sensitive individuals, a tarantula bite may lead to convulsions, hallucinations, and even death if anaphylaxis occurs.
Tarantula spiders are venomous and their hairs can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. (Photo: PB).
Not only is their venom a concern, but the hairs on a tarantula’s body can also cause allergies or itching upon contact. If the hairs get into the eyes, nose, or throat, they can lead to severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Despite their venom, many people still choose tarantulas as pets; however, not everyone can manage to keep over 300 spiders like Aaron Phoenix.
