NATURE
Giant venomous flying spiders in New York: Are they dangerous? What to do if you get stung
While Joro spiders may look intimidating due to their size and appearance, they are not aggressive and are unlikely to cause harm unless directly provoked.
Joro spiders, a vibrantly colored arachnid known for its impressive size and surprising aerial abilities, have been spotted on the East Coast. While their presence might raise eyebrows, these eight-legged immigrants are more spectacle than menace.
Also known as Trichonephila clavata, these large spiders are native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. These spiders have a distinctive appearance, with vibrant yellow markings on their abdomens and can grow to be quite large, with leg spans reaching up to 4-5 inches (10-12 cm).
They are considered an invasive species in some regions, including parts of the southeastern United States, where they were likely introduced through trade or transportation.
As for their venom, Joro spiders do possess venom like most spiders, but their venom is not considered harmful to humans. Their bite may cause some local discomfort or mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, but it is generally not dangerous.
Research from the University of Georgia, with the accolade of having the most of the Joro Spiders in the US, showed that the spiders are particularly adept at living in urban environments.
“It looks like Joro spiders are not going to shy away from building a web under a stoplight or an area where you wouldn’t imagine a spider to be,” Alexa Schultz, co-author of the study and a third-year ecology student at the University of Georgia, said. “I don’t know how happy people are going to be about it, but I think the spiders are here to stay.”
What to do if you come across a Joro Spider
If you come across a Joro spider or any other spider, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid disturbing it unnecessarily.
- Keep your distance: Don’t provoke or disturb the spider. Give it space and avoid getting too close.
- Avoid touching: Refrain from touching the spider with your bare hands or any objects. This reduces the risk of accidental bites or causing the spider to feel threatened.
- Leave it alone: If the spider is outside and not posing any immediate threat, it’s usually best to leave it alone. Spiders play important roles in ecosystems by controlling insect populations.
- If indoors: If the spider is indoors, you can carefully capture it using a glass and a piece of paper and release it outside away from the house.