The striking Joro spiders, with leg spans up to eight inches, are spreading across the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Despite their alarming appearance, these East Asian spiders are harmless and shy. Named after a mythical Japanese creature, the Joro spider features blue-black and yellow stripes with occasional red accents.
Joro spiders are not dangerous or aggressive
Daniel Kronauer, an associate professor at Rockefeller University, reassures that Joro spiders are not dangerous or aggressive. Even when provoked, their bite poses no significant threat. Unlike most spiders that freeze briefly when disturbed, Joros can remain still for over an hour, according to University of Georgia researchers.
First discovered in Georgia a decade ago, Joro spiders likely arrived via trade routes from their native China, Japan, and Korea. These spiders have since expanded into the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland, demonstrating notable cold tolerance, which could facilitate their further northward migration.
Their presence may extend to New York this summer
The ecological impact of Joro spiders in the US remains unclear, though they thrive in urban environments such as parks, gardens, and parking lots. Kronauer predicts their presence may extend to New York this summer.
While their size and appearance may be intimidating, Joro spiders are unlikely to bite humans or pets, preferring to prey on mosquitoes, roaches, wasps, and other insects.