Nature-loving senior sees magic in all creatures — his perspective on spiders might change your mind forever

Nature is full of surprises—some breathtakingly beautiful, others purposeful yet intimidating. Creatures like spiders, though often feared, play a vital role in the ecosystem by acting as natural pest controllers and contributing to biodiversity. Despite their importance, many of us instinctively recoil at the sight of these creepy crawlies around us. One individual, however, took it upon himself to dissuade people’s fears by holding a golden silk orb-weaver. The nature enthusiast, Uncle Pappy—who goes by @unc.pappy on Instagram—shared an empowering message about the magic present in the world around us.

A widely circulating video showed Uncle Pappy addressing the camera while a golden silk orb-weaver spider moves across his hand. Speaking to his one million followers, the sunny senior remained calm and composed as the spider—native to the southeastern United States and Puerto Rico—crawled freely. The environmentalist used the moment to appeal to people to realize its importance. “Let me introduce y'all to one of my favorite creatures here,” he said, admiring the spider's golden silk and gentle nature. “These things are so beautiful; they’re so docile and kind whenever you hold them,” Uncle Pappy added as the banana spider moved gracefully across his hand.

The man shared a powerful message for those who fear creepy-looking creatures. “I’m not saying go out and hold them, but I’m saying there ain’t nothing to fear,” he reassured his audience. Highlighting the spider’s role as a natural pest controller, he explained, “Nephila clavipes keeps the mosquitoes down.” Through his video, the influencer sought to remind his millions of followers that even intimidating creatures play a crucial role in our ecosystem. He also shared insights into their existence and revealed a deeper message. Quoting Roman emperor and stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, he reflected, “Nothing that is natural is evil,” encouraging viewers to overcome their fear of the natural world.

“Everything is beautiful, especially when we look at fantasy creatures. When someone says, ‘The creatures in our world are boring,’ I say, ‘What the hell are you talking about?’” the old man remarked. “If you told me there’s a creature with eight legs that spins a web of solid gold, lives in it and eats other creatures. It’s one of the most incredible things,” the man said in his nearly 45-second video. “This world is so magical. See the magic in all the creatures, even the ones you might be a little afraid of,” he concluded, sparking countless reactions, including 193,953 likes. @halcyonindex commented, “I had a little spider living in a web in my office window for the last six or eight months. I work from home, and he was my little coworker.” “My favorite Florida man talking about Marcus Aurelius is all I’ve ever wanted in life,” @mohammedmshaker lauded. @kelly_sells_sarasota added, "I just can’t appreciate you more. It so wonderful how you speak of the natives."

You can follow Uncle Pappy (@unc.pappy) on Instagram for more scientific and nature-related content.