NEW ENGLAND. (THECOUNT) — It appears that the flying, venomous Joro spiders are expanding their reach further north in the United States, with a recent sighting reportedly taking place in New England. Boston resident Sally Rogers, who lives in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, shared a photo of one of the giant, brightly colored arachnids with local news outlet WBZ-TV after spotting it near her home.
The Beacon Hill neighborhood, known for its Victorian brick row houses and antique lanterns, is located west of downtown Boston’s skyline. The sighting is significant as Joro spiders are invasive to the United States, originally hailing from East Asia, and their spread continues to concern many.
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What Are Joro Spiders?
Joro spiders, an invasive species native to East Asia (including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China), were first spotted in the U.S. in the early 2010s, primarily in Georgia. They are known for their large size, with females measuring between 3-4 inches long, while males are smaller, just over a quarter of an inch. Females are primarily yellow with dark blue stripes and a red abdomen, while males are brown with dark gray and yellow stripes.
Although Joro spiders can release venom, they are not aggressive and do not typically bite unless cornered. A bite from a Joro spider can cause mild discomfort and redness, similar to a bee sting, but is not considered dangerous to humans.
How Are Joro Spiders Spreading?
The spiders travel through a process called “ballooning,” in which they use their silk webs to carry them through the air on wind currents. This ability has earned them the nickname of “flying spiders.” Their large webs can stretch up to 10 feet wide, and they prefer warm, sunny environments, often found in gardens or wooded areas.
Recent Sightings in the U.S.
Earlier this month, Joro spiders were spotted further south in western Pennsylvania. The University of Georgia’s Joro Watch program, which monitors the spread of the species, confirmed the sighting near Philadelphia. The location was about 40 miles from the city, near the borders of New York and New Jersey.
These big, scary-looking spiders have spread across the southern U.S., including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Reports have also come from Alabama, Maryland, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Researchers from Clemson University published a study indicating that Joro spiders could potentially colonize most of the eastern United States as their range continues to expand.
As of Thursday morning, Joro Watch had not yet confirmed the Boston sighting on its online map, but experts warn that the spider’s presence in New England may become more common in the future.
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