There is a Spider that I have allowed to live on my dash. I like Spiders, they rid us of other pests, and therefore I don’t kill them unless they really have it coming. They do still kind of give me the creeps, and I have my boundaries. We have a mutual understanding. They don’t cross those boundaries and I will graciously allow them a peaceful coexistence. Dashboard Spider and I have gotten along for months, he paces back and forth across my windshield interior each morning as I drive to work. Both Wife and Daughter share my “No Kill” sentiment. Although my daughter is still creeped out by spiders in general.
Today Dashboard Spider crossed the line…not just with a few timid steps, but he boldly rappelled from the overhead of my car and landed in my lap, then crawled under the seatbelt just above my crotch. My wife sat there in amused disbelief declaring that if I didn’t do something about it he was going to crawl into my pants. I wasn’t creeped out, but this was a clear and present attack on my personal space, I would have no part of this. At the next stop light, I unfastened my seatbelt, revealed that he was indeed, trying to hide in the fly of my pants. (yes yes, I’m at a loss for a good “said the spider to the fly” joke) I flicked him back down to the floor of the car.
It doesn’t quite end here. Once I got home, I felt web drift over my ear. I went to remove it, and when I tugged, I felt more web on my head. I wear my hair very short, but it seems this spider had run a few laps around the top of my head. For a small spider to have made this much progress in only a 30-45 minute drive, I thought was impressive. Silly spider…Thought you were going to eat me didn’t ya?
i HATE Dashboard spiders, as I’ve got arachnophobia, but I’m pretty good about it. But in the confined space of a car, and whenever I notice them (it’s only been twice) it was when they’re up towards the top of my windshield basically ready to go for my jugulars… And I’m frozen there trying to drive safely and navigate traffic while the spider just laughs as it is basically trying to kill me by using my very own vehicle against me!
I just pull over or get to a red light and go for the smooshing immediately, which also freaks me out as again i have to then get close enough to touch it… Gah! That’s why i keep napkins and tissues in my car for quick smooshing if needed.
Yeah, Dashboard Spider was just showing her millions of offspring what to do when they’re more capable. By herself she couldn’t defeat you, but her army of children will prevail where she failed.
You’re already finished and you don’t even know it.
The threads on your head would have been dragline. Spiders on the move leave such a thread behind them wherever they go. Since web-making spiders can’t actually see images with their eyes, your dashboard friend had no way of knowing she was on your head (or under your seatbelt, for that matter).
Spiders that aren’t getting enough to eat or drink in their present location do have to move eventually. That could very easily happen inside a car. And once Moving Day comes, a hapless spider shut inside a car just doesn’t have many options for a desirable new residence…
