Joro spiders: The shy flyers invading the East Coast

Joro spiders, the giant venomous flying arachnids, are spreading across states in the Northeast and advancing along the East Coast, reveals a new study. First spotted in Georgia in 2013-2014, their population has significantly increased over the years.

These non-native spiders have now extended to the Carolinas and Tennessee, and sightings include Oklahoma, West Virginia and Maryland. Even New York City and New Jersey might encounter the Joros this summer.

Scientifically known as Trichonephila clavata, Joros are large yellow and blue-black arachnids from East Asia. They likely arrived in the US through international cargo.

Joros can grow to the size of a human palm and are renowned for their web-weaving skills, building webs that could span up to 10 feet.

Joro spiders, the giant venomous flying arachnids, are spreading across states in the Northeast and advancing along the East Coast, reveals a new study. First spotted in Georgia in 2013-2014, their population has significantly increased over the years.

These non-native spiders have now extended to the Carolinas and Tennessee, and sightings include Oklahoma, West Virginia and Maryland. Even New York City and New Jersey might encounter the Joros this summer.

Scientifically known as Trichonephila clavata, Joros are large yellow and blue-black arachnids from East Asia. They likely arrived in the US through international cargo.

Joros can grow to the size of a human palm and are renowned for their web-weaving skills, building webs that can span up to 10 feet.

Are they dangerous?
Although intimidating, Joro spiders are not dangerous. They thrive in urban areas and often “parachute” through the air using their silk webs. According to the University of Georgia, Joro spiders may be among the “shyest” spiders ever documented.

Researchers at Clemson University discovered that Joros eat various insects, including butterflies and stink bugs, but pose no threat to humans or pets. 

Despite their invasive potential, they help reduce pest populations.

Although intimidating, Joro spiders are not dangerous. They thrive in urban areas and often “parachute” through the air using their silk webs. According to the University of Georgia, Joro spiders may be among the “shyest” spiders ever documented.

Researchers at Clemson University discovered that Joros eat various insects, including butterflies and stink bugs, but pose no threat to humans or pets. 

Despite their invasive potential, they help reduce pest populations.