Miguel Higueras

**Miguel Higueras** was the field assistant to respected entomologist Dr. James Atherton, in which capacity he accompanied the professor on scientific expeditions. He displayed familiarity with the insects, spiders, and frogs of the Amazon basin. On one such expedition to Venezuela in 1990, he was present for the discovery of a deadly new species of spider in an unexplored tepui, one of which he managed to capture within a jar. Later, upon return to base camp, Higueras discovered the corpse of the expedition’s photographer, Jerry Manley, who had been fatally bitten by an arachnid hitchhiker of the species.

## Biography

Higueras served as field assistant to Dr. James Atherton, one of the world’s leading experts on the identification of new insects and spiders. In 1990, he accompanied Dr. Atherton on a scientific expedition in the rainforests of the Amazon basin in Venezuela, where they erected a base camp near the Orinoco River.

When Jerry Manley, the team's photographer finally arrived to base camp, Higueras informed Atherton that they were scheduled to visit a new and unexplored tepui. Along with Atherton, Manley, and a native guide, he boarded the team's helicopter, destined for the unknown.

Upon their arrival at the tepui, the research team discovered a two-thousand-foot sinkhole formed from the eroding effect of massive waterfalls. The helicopter landed, allowing the team to disembark and begin their descent. The equipment was lowered by cable, while the native guide escorted the team to the floor of the sinkhole. Along the way, Manley inadvertently became ensnared in a large orb-web, which sent him into a panic. Higueras rescued him and translated for him the guide’s omen that Manley was too big to carry out the tepui.

At the floor of the sinkhole, Higueras assisted Atherton in positioning their insect collection supplies for fumigation. Thereafter Dr. Atherton fumigated a tree, and the team waited as insect carcasses rained down and into the collection equipment. A few heavy thuds were heard, revealing the existence of a novel species of spider unknown to science. While Manley anxiously squashed the first specimen, Higueras was able to capture another live in a jar. Presenting it to Dr. Atherton, the scientist noted its size and aggressiveness.

As the team returned to base camp, a fertile male of the species concealed itself in the supplies. At base camp, the specimen exited and fatally bit Manley, who had retired for a nap, complaining of a fever. Higueras appeared and discovered the photographer’s dead body. He called for Atherton, who joined him and blamed Manley’s untimely death on the fever. The professor instructed Higueras to retrieve his camera film for research purposes. Manley was then loaded into a casket and transported to Canaima, California, his hometown. None of the team was aware that the arachnid culprit had stowed away inside the casket for continued sustenance.

## Characters met

* James Atherton
* Jerry Manley

## Behind the scenes

Miguel Higueras was portrayed by Juan Fernández in the 1990 film *Arachnophobia*. While Higueras plays a major role in its opening sequence, his character does not appear at all for the remainder of the film. Instead, for the rest of the story, the role of Dr. Atherton's assistant is taken by the character of Chris Collins.

## Appearances

1. ARACHNOPHOBIA (first appearance)
2. ARACHNOPHOBIA novel
3. ARACHNOPHOBIA: Official Movie Adaptation