A bright yellow Japanese spider with a leg span of up to 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) continues to invade the US. According to researchers, these animals do not pose any major threats to humans - yet.
New York Invasion
After the invasion of spotted lanternflies and cicadas, the Eastern US is bracing for another invasion of non-native species. According to the New Jersey Pest Control, the Joro spider is expected to continue north, taking only a matter of time before reaching New Jersey and New York in summer.
Locals have reported sightings of this animal in Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, Florida, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Mississippi, and Alabama. This raises concerns about the arachnid's potential effect on local ecosystems and residents.
Joro spiders made their first US appearance in 2010 when they were spotted in Georgia, where they established themselves in rural and urban areas. Since then, they have been making their way across the Southeast.
Joro spiders are everywhere, according to Clemson University Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation assistant professor David Coyle in a statement released in October 2023. Coyle was part of a study that used modeling techniques to examine the range of this giant venomous spider.
The model shows that this spider can inhabit most of the eastern part of the country since their comfort area in the native environment matches up well with much of North America. With the exception of some unforeseen factors, the experts expect that the range of these animals will continue to expand.
Coyle also noted that Joro spiders are not just benign arachnids that will catch and kill insects. Instead, they have the tendency to push out native species and catch and kill whatever gets caught in their webs.
While their spread is alarming to experts, Joro spiders may not be as harmful to the local ecosystems as expected. Some scientists even believe that these animals may not significantly disrupt local biodiversity. Although these spiders can displace native species, their overall impact on the environment remains a topic of ongoing research.
The introduction of these spiders to the US is believed to have happened accidentally through cargo shipments and global trade. Since they reproduce rapidly and adapt to various environments, they spread quickly and turn into formidable invasive species.
How Dangerous Are Joro Spiders?
Joro spider (Trichonephila clavate) is a species of Golden orb-web spider that originated from East Asia, Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan. They belong to a group of spiders that are known for making highly symmetrical, circular webs.
They can be identified by their bright yellow and black color and their leg span that reaches up to 4 inches. They also have the ability to fly through the air by ballooning method which could have helped them spread rapidly across several states.
Although they are known for being venomous, the venom of the Joro spider is not deadly to humans. However, their intimidating appearance and size may not be a pleasant experience for locals. Their fangs cannot penetrate human skin, but their bites can lead to allergic reactions and discomfort in some individuals.
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