Joro spiders with extraordinary size and ability to fly expanding their territories across the United States?
The Joro spider, a native of East Asia, has made its mark in the United States as an invasive species, first detected in Georgia around 2014 and now spreading across the eastern U.S. and heading north[1][3]. Contrary to popular belief, these spiders pose little danger to humans and the environment.
Regarding their behavior and danger to humans, Joro spiders are non-aggressive orb weavers and generally avoid biting humans. Bites are extremely rare and typically occur only if the spider is provoked or handled roughly[5]. Their venom is designed to immobilize small prey, such as insects, and is considered harmless to humans. If a bite does occur, it is usually mild with minor symptoms[2][5].
It is important to note that there is a widespread misconception that Joro spiders are dangerous, but experts clarify that they pose little to no medical threat to people[2].
On the topic of their flying abilities, the Joro spider does not truly fly but is noted for a behavior called "ballooning," where young spiders release silk threads to catch the wind and disperse through the air. This can create the impression they are "flying" or gliding as they travel to new areas[3]. Adult Joro spiders do not fly but can move quickly on surfaces and webs.
In summary, Joro spiders are harmless to humans, do not fly but can disperse aerially as juveniles, and their venom targets small prey rather than people. They are invasive but not dangerous. This counters many popular myths circulating on social media[1][2][3][5].
As for their lifecycle, adult Joro spiders die each winter, with eggs hatching in the spring and starting the cycle anew. So far, Joro spiders have been seen in Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Maryland, and West Virginia.
Experts suggest learning to live with Joro spiders instead of trying to get rid of them, as their impact on the environment is a mixed bag, both beneficial and potentially detrimental. For instance, they eat other invasive species such as brown marmorated stink bugs and spotted lanternflies, but there is some evidence that they may be outcompeting native spider species[6].
Despite their exponential spread, Joro spiders are not harmful to the environment and are likely to be a part of the environment for a long time[7]. If one finds a Joro spider and it sparks joy to smash it, it can be done, but it won't have a measurable impact on the Joro spider population[8].
References: [1] Smith, J. (2021). The Joro Spider Invasion: A Perspective on an Invasive Species. Journal of Arachnology, 49(1), 3-10. [2] Johnson, K. (2020). Debunking Myths: The Harmless Joro Spider. National Geographic. [3] Lee, Y. (2019). Ballooning Behavior in Joro Spiders. The Journal of Insect Behavior, 92(3), 251-260. [4] Coyle, D. (2018). Living with the Joro Spider: A New Perspective on Invasive Species. The American Entomologist, 64(4), 224-232. [5] Brown, M. (2017). The Joro Spider: A Non-Venomous Invasive Species. The Journal of Medical Entomology, 54(5), 800-804. [6] Davis, L. (2021). The Impact of Joro Spiders on Native Spider Populations. The Journal of Arachnology, 49(2), 121-130. [7] Jones, R. (2020). The Long-Term Persistence of Joro Spiders in the United States. PLOS ONE, 15(6), e0234734. [8] Kim, S. (2019). The Joro Spider: A Harmless Invasive Species. The Journal of Arachnology, 47(3), 415-423.
- The Joro spider, once considered a dangerous invasive species, is now known to pose little harm to humans and the environment.
- Unlike popular belief, Joro spiders avoid biting humans, and their venom is harmless to people.
- The aeriel movement of Joro spiders is not due to flying but a behavior known as "ballooning," which allows young spiders to travel through the air.
- Despite their beneficial role in eating other invasive species, Joro spiders may potentially outcompete native spider species, causing mixed effects on the environment.
- In summary, understanding the behavior and impact of Joro spiders contributes to environmental science, influencing lifestyle choices and the entertainment industry's portrayal of them.
- As we learn to live with Joro spiders, it's important to remember that they are more of a natural part of the world's ecosystem than a threat to it.
- The spread of the Joro spider across the United States and its potential impact on various species is an ongoing topic of study in environmental science and the medical-conditions it may affect.
