Photo: Joro Spider – Trichonephila bu]y Christina Butler.

I have witnessed Joro spiders in Japan. A large, brightly colored invasive species called the Joro spider is on the move in the United States. They are very scary.

New York, N.Y. Populations have been growing in parts of the South and East Coast for years, and many researchers think it’s only a matter of time before they spread to much of the continental U.S. But spider experts say we shouldn’t be too worried about them.

Scientists instead worry about the growing prevalence of invasive species that can do damage to our crops and trees — a problem made worse by global trade and climate change, which is making local environmental conditions more comfortable for pests that previously couldn’t survive frigid winters. This shy spider, however, poses little risk to humans.

What is the Joro spider?

The Joro spider is one of a group of spiders called orb-weavers, named for their wheel-shaped webs. They’re native to East Asia, have bright yellow and black coloring, and can grow as long as eight centimeters when their legs are fully extended.

Where are they headed?

Scientists are still trying to figure that out. A satellite population has taken hold in Baltimore over the last two years. The species will become more prevalent in the Northeast, an eventual outcome suggested by research.

Can they fly?

The babies can: using a tactic called “ballooning,” young Joro spiders can use their webs to harness the winds and electromagnetic currents of the Earth to travel relatively long distances. But you won’t see fully-grown Joro spiders taking flight.

What do they eat?

Joro spiders will eat whatever lands in their web, which mainly ends up being insects. That could mean they’ll compete with native spiders for food, but it might not all be bad — a Joro’s daily catch could also feed native bird species.

Are they dangerous to humans?

Joro spiders have venom like all spiders, but they aren’t deadly or even medically relevant to humans. At worst, a Joro bite might itch or cause an allergic reaction. But the shy creatures tend to stay out of humans’ way

Joro spiders are nothing in the end to fear. Unless, like me, you suffer from arachnophobia. In that case, when you see their hairy eight legs, take off on your own two!

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TAGS: Joro spiders, invasive species, environmental impact, arachnophobia, climate change, East Asia, orb-weavers, spider webs, ballooning, pest control, conservation, agricultural impact, ecological damage, U.S. wildlife