The phobia of holes, somewhat humorously called trypophobia, has been found to be based in a very serious fear of poisonous animals.

The phobia of holes, somewhat humorously called trypophobia, has been found to be based in a very serious fear of poisonous animals.

Researchers say that given the source of the phobia, it qualifies as a survival tactic emerging from an evolutionary drive.

People terrified of holes don’t limit their aversion to those found in nature, though.

Soap bubbles, sponges, and Swiss cheese can all send them running for safe harbor.

New study of the phobia has shown that the seemingly irrational reaction to everyday objects isn’t unfounded.

Two scientists reviewed over 70 images of known phobia triggers with over 70 pictures of unrelated but potentially fear-inducing objects.

Following an interview with a man who couldn’t tolerate the sight of blue ringed octopi, one had another idea.

He added shots of known deadly predators like scorpion and king cobras to the mix and saw many significant similarities.

It turned out that they shared both light and spatial relations with the inanimate phobia inducers.

That, for some, is enough to activate a part of the brain associated with survival and responses to imminent threats.