The invasive Joro spider, native to East Asian countries, has been spotted in New England, specifically in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. The spiders are brightly colored, measuring 3-4 inches long for females and just over a quarter of an inch for males. While they can release venom, they typically do not bite unless cornered, causing discomfort similar to bee stings. The Joro spider travels by “ballooning,” using their silk webs to carry them on the wind to new destinations.
First spotted in Georgia almost a decade ago, the Joro spider has recently been sighted in Pennsylvania and now New England. Reports of sightings have also come from Alabama, Maryland, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, spreading rapidly beyond the South Carolina area where they were initially discovered. Researchers at Clemson University have studied the spider’s range in the U.S., estimating it to be around 120,000 kilometers and potentially inhabiting most of the eastern U.S.
The Joro spider is known for its large webs made of gold-colored silk, reaching up to 10 feet wide. The University of Georgia’s Joro Watch program tracks sightings of the spider and monitors its spread across the country. As these venomous spiders continue their northward expansion, residents in new areas are advised to be cautious and report any sightings to help researchers track their movements.
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