The tarantula: it's the ultimate creepy-crawly, known and (unjustly) feared throughout the world--and amateur biologist Rick West has 1,500 of them in his basement. West has been fascinated by tarantulas since he saw his first one at age 14. Today, tarantula enthusiasts from around the world seek out his expertise in identifying unusual specimens. While tarantulas live on all continents except Antarctica, some species are threatened by habitat loss and the pet trade. West has successfully lobbied to have international protection extended to nine species. Filmed partially in the Sonora Desert in Arizona, this video includes highlights such as tarantulas fighting, mating and shedding their skins--in a dramatic process that looks like a sci-fi film!