James Atherton

Dr. James Atherton was a renowned entomologist, Professor of Entomology, and leading expert on the identification of new insects and spiders.

Early life
"I have a problem, and it may be spider-related. You seem to be the foremost authority on the West Coast, or any coast, for that matter."

- Ross Jennings

Presumably originally from the United Kingdom, Atherton studied entomology, earning a Bachelors, Masters, and eventually a Doctorate in the field. Later, Dr. Atherton became a Professor at the California Polytechnic Institute Department of Entomology, gaining notoriety as the leading authority on arthropods on the West Coast. His specialty was listed as arachnology. Keeping numerous insect and arachnid specimens at the Cal Poly Research Laboratory, Dr. Atherton later hired Chris Collins as his research assistant. His adventurous nature led him to seek out new species of insects and spiders in the remote rainforests and tepuis of Venezuela.

Discovery of Venezuelan spiders
Hoping to discover new species in Venezuela, Dr. Atherton commissioned photographer Jerry Manley, a guide, Miguel Higueras, and Venezuelan natives to assist him in the exploration of the Venezuelan rainforest. During the resulting excursion to an unexplored tepui, Dr. Atherton discovered several new species, including a butterfly called Photius manlii and a deadly new species of spider, in a sinkhole. One specimen of the latter species concealed itself in his supplies, killing Dr. Atherton's photographer, before sneaking into its prey's coffin and thus into Manley's hometown of Canaima, California. All the while, Dr. Atherton discovered these new spiders had constructed themselves into a sophisticated society.

Canaima
Under construction.

Appearances

 * Arachnophobia
 * novel
 * Official Movie Adaptation