Is the Joro spider poisonous?

JORO spiders have been spreading across the East Coast since they first appeared in the South East in 2013.

The invasive arachnids can grow to the size of an adult’s palm, striking fear into many of the people who encounter them.

Is the Joro spider poisonous?

Due to its large size and striking colors, many are put off by the looks of the Joro spider.

The University Of Georgia announced in March 2022 these spiders could likely colonize the entire east coast.

Georgia residents have gotten accustomed to the golden webs the Joros spin popping up everywhere from powerlines to front porches.

Joro spiders are venomous, but their fangs are too small to even break the skin of humans or pets.

How does the Joro spider affect the environment?

Although they’re an invasive species, scientists think the Joro could be beneficial to their new environment.

Joros don’t appear to have much of an impact on local food chains and ecosystems.

They may act as a new food source for insect predators like birds.

They also eat insects that cause crop damage and are a nuisance to locals, like stink bugs. This allows humans to be able to use fewer pesticides.

How did the Joro spider get to the US?

Researchers believe the spiders most likely came over on shipping containers from their native land of Asia.

However, the spiders can transport themselves up to 100 miles using their webs.

They’re able to fly through the air on a strand of silk and parachute into new areas.

This is how Joro hatchlings are spreading to new states.

Cold temperatures don’t deter them from traveling like other spiders.

They’re more likely to move north along the east coast since they can withstand colder temperatures.