Interesting replies, everyone!
Hm, I've just realized - my phobia of arthropods doesn't extend to a few arthropods. Ants are notable since they're the only insect that I can tolerate touching for some reason (I wonder if this is common among others too?) Worm-like creatures (like maggots) are the WORST though (though maybe I could tolerate ant larvae - maybe early exposure to SimAnt helps?)
Daddy long-legs aren't that bad either
With crustaceans, the big ones aren't scary. But I'm still freaked out about isopods (including the GIANT isopods on the seafloor).
Surprisingly enough, my fear of arthropods also intersects with my fear of death. The fact is - arthropods can die at ANY time, and the possibility that they might die (of natural causes - squishing is a bit different) also FRIGHTENS me
What about fireflies? They're very tame. Stick out your hand near one and there's a good chance it'll land on you and just stay there for a while.
Okay, so for several years, I've been doing a fairly good job of excising out most of my irrational beliefs and fears.
The one that remains, however, is my fear of bugs and spiders. I'll SCREAM if I see one, dead or alive. And if there's one in my food, then I'm going to throw the entire plate out.
Is it common for LWers to have irrational reactions to bugs and spiders?
I know that there is "desensitization therapy", as highlighted by a Scientific American Frontiers episode a decade ago (where gradual exposure to the stimulus - a spider) - can desensitize a person with arachnophobia over time. But this can really only happen in controlled settings. In uncontrolled settings, such interaction can give you nightmares.