How complex are spiders in the emotional and mental sense?

Question

I have a horrible fear of spiders. but at the same time i feel horribly bad when people harm them. So when i see them i usually freak out and kill them which i try to avoid doing.

Do the spiders fear death like humans? Do they say their last prayers and do they know they are going to miss a family of theirs?

Answer 1

I feel the same way you do.  I prefer family members to 'escort' them out of the house.  

If I have  to do it, I go all crazy ballistic when trying to kill them though.

Consider them like tiny robots with limited programming involved.  I don't think they are very emotional, they are designed to kill, eat, multiply, not necessarily in that order.

Answer 2

The short answer is, we really don't know.  That said, based on available evidence there's no reason to think spiders have that kind of conscious thought or anticipation.  They almost certainly feel pain if stepped on and they don't die right away.  I suggest trap the spiders and set them loose outside.

Answer 3

I do not know as I  have not talked to any spiders, I just kill them, if I do not know then. Now the one in the house that do not bite, we leave alone.