Spotting a massive spider near your car would send most people running in the opposite direction. But for Skye Molyneux, it sparked a moment of quiet curiosity instead of fear.
One rainy day in Australia, Molyneux and her husband were driving near their home when they noticed a huntsman spider clinging to the passenger-side mirror. As rain poured down, the spider slowly made its way toward the open window — and instead of shooing it away, the couple let it climb inside.
“I knew he was just trying to get out of the rain,” Molyneux told The Dodo. “So I was happy to let him in.”
As the spider crept closer, Molyneux gently extended her fingers toward him. The spider paused, then stepped forward and lightly touched her hand — almost like a greeting — before backing away again.
“I know they’re harmless and probably more scared of us than we are of them,” Molyneux said.
The unexpected passenger continued exploring the car, calmly wandering across the dashboard and edging toward the steering wheel. When Molyneux’s husband reached out his hand, the spider seemed less interested, choosing to keep his distance.
Molyneux captured the entire encounter on video and later shared it on Facebook. The clip quickly went viral, drawing thousands of views and comments from people amazed by the spider’s calm behavior.
More than anything, Molyneux hopes the video helps change how people see huntsman spiders.
“I understand that people who didn’t grow up around huntsmans don’t realize they’re pretty harmless,” she said. “Hopefully this video gives a little insight into their nature.”
For one rainy afternoon, a misunderstood spider found shelter — and helped remind thousands of people that not every scary-looking creature is dangerous.
