Assume both are *real*.
In RA Wilson’s Schrodinger’s Cat the first line is “The majority of Terrans were six-legged.” When I first read that a number of years ago, I had to stop and think about it for a moment. “Bugs”. What an all encompassing term for a myriad variety of critters. As Giger has shown us with the “Aliens”, extend insect/arachnids to human-sze, and the buggars are pretty damn indestructable. Not just because of their touchness factor, but their speed, adaptability, and sheer numbers.
Yes, I know spiders aren’t insects, but I think they have a higher ‘oogy’ element for most folks.