The U.S. can expect to be invaded by giant, venomous flying spiders this summer. The invasive species, the Joro spider, is expected to spread across the Eastern U.S., raising concerns about its potential impact on local ecosystems and residents.
Originally from East Asia, the spiders have been making their way across the Southeast since they made their first U.S. appearance in Georgia, around 2010. This year, they could reach as far north as New Jersey, a statement from NJ Pest Control, a private service, warned.
Joro spiders are identifiable by their vivid yellow and black coloration and their 4-inch leg span. Also, they can fly through the air by using a ballooning method. This ability has significantly contributed to their rapid spread across the Southeastern states and now threatens to push them farther north.
Warnings about the spiders' spread have been coming for a while.
In October 2023, David Coyle, an assistant professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, said in a statement that "they were everywhere."
Coyle participated in a study that used modeling techniques to assess the Joro spider's range and then applied it to the entire U.S.
"Those data show that this spider is going to be able to inhabit most of the eastern U.S. It shows that their comfort area in their native range matches up very well with much of North America," Coyle said at the time. "Barring some unforeseen circumstance, we expect the range of these things to continue expanding, likely to the north, and we've already seen that with some populations in Maryland."
The Joro spider's presence in the U.S. was first reported in Georgia, where they quickly established themselves in both urban and rural areas.
The good news is that while they are venomous, the Joro spider's venom is not deadly to humans. Still, their intimidating size and appearance will not be a pleasant experience for residents. The spiders' fangs are generally incapable of penetrating human skin, but bites can cause discomfort and allergic reactions in some individuals.
"These are not just benign spiders coming to catch and kill bad things; these are pushing out native species and catching and killing whatever happens to get in their webs," Coyle said.
Despite their alarming spread, some experts suggest that Joro spiders may not be as harmful to ecosystems as feared, with some researchers believing they may not significantly disrupt local biodiversity. While there is evidence that these spiders displace native species, their overall impact remains a subject of ongoing research.
The introduction of Joro spiders to the U.S. is believed to have occurred accidentally through cargo shipments and international trade. Their rapid reproduction and adaptability to different environments have facilitated their spread, making them a formidable invasive species. The public is advised to be aware of these spiders but not to panic, as they do not pose a significant threat to humans or animals.
For now, the focus remains on monitoring and managing the spiders' spread to mitigate their impact on both human populations and local wildlife. As they are expected to expand, understanding and coexistence will be crucial in addressing the challenges posed by these striking yet unsettling invaders.
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