The Joro spider, a species known for its ability to fly, is making its way to the northeast of the US, specifically New York and New Jersey.
These invasive spiders release their webbing into the air and use the wind to “parachute” to new locations. They were first spotted in Georgia in 2013 and have been expanding their presence ever since.
The Joro spider is easily identifiable by its bright yellow body with horizontal gray bands, large red markings in the center, and yellow-orange banded back legs.
They can grow up to three inches in length with their legs fully extended, making them big enough to cover a human hand.
Experts predict that as the weather warms over the summer, the Joro spiders will begin making their way to New York and New Jersey.
Rutgers University ecologist, Jose R. Ramirez-Garofalo, advised that the spiders will be in reproduction mode during this time, potentially leading to an increase in their population in urban environments.
While the Joro spider is venomous, their bites typically only result in mild symptoms such as swelling, redness, and a minor fever. They are not considered aggressive towards humans and primarily feed on smaller insects like mosquitoes.
If you happen to come across a Joro spider, it is recommended not to panic. Simply flick the spider off if you are bitten, and if you see its web, use a broom to sweep it away.
The spiders are shy by nature and are unlikely to intentionally harm humans. Ultimately, while the Joro spider may cause fear due to its unique characteristics, they do not pose a significant threat to humans or the environment.
