A few weeks ago, our Bug Biology class went on a bug-collecting trip in Urbana. This was our second class trip so we knew how to capture bugs using our nets and jars, but I was still a little hesitant on touching the bugs. My friend and I were walking together sweeping our nets on the ground when I suddenly saw a butterfly. I wanted to catch it so I ran towards it. After chasing the butterfly for sometime, I decided to stop since I had gone far from my friend and I still had to see what other bugs were already in my net.
I found a nice place to sit where the grass was a bit shorter, so that I could identify any unwanted bugs invading my personal space. I kneeled down, placed my backpack on the ground, and opened up my net to see what I had caught. There were many beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, and I even had a katydid. After putting them into the jar, I got back up and put my backpack on to continue collecting.
After I walked a few feet, I decided to look more closely in the grass. As my eyes were focused on the ground, I caught a glimpse of some movement. I looked at my thigh and saw a giant brown hairy thing crawling up my leg towards my torso. Although I didn’t know specifically what it was, I knew there was an unexpectedly large, unwelcome insect racing up my thigh. So like an entomophobe would do, I screamed. Finally, a kind classmate came up to me and calmly asked me, while I was still screaming, if I wanted the bug in the jar. The only thing I could say in my moment of panic was “GET IT OFF OF ME.” She captured the big, speedy bug in the jar, relieving me from my freak-out. I finally calmed down to see what thing was climbing my leg.
I looked into the jar and saw a the beast. Actually, it wasn’t a beast, it was caterpillar about the size of my index finger with long hairs sticking out of it. That was the cause of my fear. I was so glad that not many people had seen me overreact to the bug because that would’ve been awkward. However, unfortunately, many others had heard me and later asked what happened. When I explained the incident, I could tell that they were disappointed. Maybe they were looking for a better cause for my scream or maybe they just couldn’t believe that I screamed because of a caterpillar. Afterwards, I couldn’t either, but in my defense, I was panicked in the moment.
The good news is that now, I’ve overcome any fear of bugs and hopefully won’t shriek next time one is on me!
I was seriously debating taking bug bio because I also have a fear of bugs that I wanted to overcome, but I just couldn't make myself do it. I can totally understand being freaked out by such a small bug that isn't even harmful, and I like how you were willing to share your somewhat embarrassing experience with us :)
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ReplyDeleteLike Raebekkah, the only fear holding me back from taking bug bio is actually touching the bugs. I don't think I could do it. I would have done exactly what you did, if not something more embarrassing if I was in the same situation you were. Luckily for you, you overcame your fear. Good for you because I know that would have made my fear stronger.
ReplyDeleteI really admire everyone that takes the bug bio class. I love biology, but I cannot handle bugs. A few weeks ago I kind of did the same thing you did. I was in my kitchen at around midnight, having a nice glass of milk before bed, but with the lights off so I wouldn't disturb my sleeping family. Suddenly I felt a tickle on my arm, and thinking I had just shed some hair, I brushed it off. But my hand came away wet. My arm felt like there was a wet streak on it. I quickly turned on a light and looked at my arm. There was a weird grey streak where I had brushed that "hair" away. I looked at my hand, and on it there was a little moth, now squashed and dead. I started screaming and hyperventilating and my parents came rushing into the kitchen. I had to explain that it was just a moth. Pretty awkward. But it's good to hear you've gotten over your fear. Good luck with the rest of your collecting!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand irrational fears of bugs..it's kind of weird because when I started Bug Bio I was literally terrified of bugs, especially spiders, and now I have no fear at all. It's like it was all sucked away by some magic bug fairy, but now, holding spiders in my hand? No prob!
ReplyDeleteOkay so I was next to you when this happened and I did not think it was embarrassing at all because I definitely would have done the same thing! Bug bio collecting trips have really been a trying thing for me since I'm so freaking out by bugs, so it's really difficult for me to conjure up enough confidence to pick a creepy looking bug out of the net and putting it in my jar. Sadly, my reluctance goes beyond the collecting trips-- I'm too scared to touch the bugs when I'm pinning sometimes. I take pride in the bugs in my collection that I have yet to touch (because someone else caught them for me and Mr. Stone pinned them for me)-- my cockroach and praying mantis.
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