A fear of spiders is called arachnophobia. It's a common phobia that many people experience, characterized by an intense fear of spiders and sometimes other arachnids like scorpions. This fear can trigger anxiety and avoidance behaviors, often leading individuals to steer clear of areas where they might encounter spiders. Arachnophobia can stem from evolutionary factors, as avoidance of potentially venomous creatures could have been beneficial to survival in prehistoric times. Treatment options include therapy, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques, which can help manage and alleviate the symptoms associated with this fear.