Janice R. Andrews
Six giant Joro spiders, which are known for being able to “fly” or jump through the air, were seen in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, earlier this month. This is a rare but becoming more regular sighting. A program called Joro Watch, which was created by the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, confirmed that these sightings were real.
The Joro spider is an invasive species that comes from Asia. It was first seen in the United States in Georgia in 2014. These brightly colored spiders use long lines of silk to fly through the air. This is how they got the name “parachuting spiders.”
What do Joro spiders look like?
Joro spiders are big spiders that make huge webs, some of which are up to 10 feet wide. The abdomens of female Joro spiders are yellow and gray, making them easy to spot. Their legs can grow up to 4 inches long, which makes them a scary sight. The males, on the other hand, are much smaller, with bodies that are less than half an inch long.
Even though they are big, these spiders are not very dangerous to people. They do have poison, but it is not dangerous to people or animals. PennState Extension experts have told people that a Joro spider bite is not as painful as a bee sting and only causes minor discomfort that goes away quickly.
How are Joro spiders getting around?
At first, the Joro spider was only found in Georgia. Since then, it has spread to several southern states. Experts said it could take up to 35 years for the spiders to get to Pennsylvania because they were thought to be slowly moving north. However, spiders may be moving faster than thought based on recent sightings in Bucks County.
There are two main things that are speeding up their growth. When there are storms or strong winds, young Joro spiders can be blown along very far. Second, things that people do, like trade and movement, may bring spiders to new areas without meaning to.
Do Joro spiders pose a threat?
Experts stress that Joro spiders are not dangerous, even though the thought of huge spiders parachuting through the air might be scary. Their poison isn’t very strong, and their tiny teeth have a hard time cutting through skin. If they do bite, the effects are weak and don’t last long.
As reports of sightings rise, experts say to stay cool and avoid making direct contact. These spiders aren’t mean, and they help keep the number of bugs in check.
Now that Joro spiders have been found in Pennsylvania, they are likely to keep spreading. Soon, they could be found in other northeastern states like New York and New Jersey.
