The Northeast U.S. is bracing for an invasion of giant, venomous spiders with 4-inch-long legs that can glide through the air. Known as Joro spiders, these invasive arachnids are spreading rapidly across the East Coast and are expected to arrive in New York and New Jersey soon.
Earlier this year, New Jersey Pest Control warned about the impending arrival of these spiders, noting that the females, with their vibrant yellow and gray bodies, have a leg span of up to 4 inches. What sets them apart from other spiders is their ability to “fly.” While not true flight, Joro spiders utilize a technique called ballooning, where they release silk threads into the air, allowing the wind to carry them over large distances.
José R. Ramírez-Garofalo, an ecologist at Rutgers University, emphasized that it is only a matter of time before these spiders reach the New York area. “It is a matter of when, not if,” he told SI Live. A peer-reviewed study by invasive species expert David Coyle confirmed that Joro spiders are here to stay, having been introduced to north Georgia around 2010. They have since been reported in numerous states, including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio.
Andy Davis, a researcher at the University of Georgia, noted that New York is “right in the middle of where they like to be.” He expects the spiders to appear in New York and surrounding states as early as this summer. Davis has observed Joro spiders adapting well to urban environments, often found on street lamps and telephone poles.
Despite their intimidating appearance, experts assure that Joro spiders do not pose a significant threat to humans. Their venom is primarily used to subdue prey such as butterflies, wasps, and cockroaches. “We have no evidence that they’ve done any damage to a person or a pet,” said Coyle. However, their presence could impact native spider populations.
The spread of Joro spiders is facilitated by their remarkable ability to withstand colder temperatures. Research from the University of Georgia shows that Joro spiders have a higher metabolism and heart rate compared to other orb-weavers, enabling them to survive freezing conditions. This adaptability suggests they could thrive in the colder climates of the Northeast.
The origins of Joro spiders in the U.S. are unclear, though it is believed they arrived in shipping containers. Since their initial sightings in Georgia in 2013 and 2014, they have rapidly spread throughout the Southeast and are now expanding northward.
Although the Joro spider’s venom is weak and their small fangs struggle to penetrate human skin, their bites can cause discomfort and redness similar to bee stings. For those who are squeamish about spiders, the presence of these large, vibrant arachnids may be unsettling.
As the Northeast prepares for this new invasive species, it is important to remember that while Joro spiders are large and venomous, they do not pose a direct danger to humans. Their arrival, however, highlights the ongoing challenges of managing invasive species and their impact on local ecosystems.
