Remember the frenzy about Jorō spiders not too long ago? Experts had warned that these giant arachnids, which made their way to the United States ten years ago, might soon be coming our way. While the terrifying rumors of venomous, flying creatures have been debunked, it seems the invasive Jorō spiders have already appeared in the Philly region, much sooner than anticipated.
Six Jorō spiders were recently discovered in Northampton Township, Bucks County, marking the first known sighting in Pennsylvania. Joro Watch, an interactive monitoring program by the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, confirmed the presence of these adult Jorō spiders. Researchers are investigating whether this was a one-time event or if a new population has been established in the area.
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The journey of Jorō spiders in the United States began in northern Georgia in 2014, and they have since been spreading at a rate of about 10 miles per year in all directions. A recent study by Penn State predicted that Southeastern Pennsylvania would see them in 35 years. However, the timeline was thrown into question earlier this year with sensational claims that the spiders would reach New Jersey and the East Coast imminently.
Now, with sightings in Northampton Township, it’s clear that these spiders have made their way much faster, possibly with human assistance.
What are Jorō spiders?
Jorō spiders are orb-weaver spiders known for their wheel-shaped webs. Adult females can grow up to 1 inch in body length with leg spans reaching 4 inches. They are brightly colored with yellow bodies and grey-blue bands, while the long legs are marked with black and yellow bands. These spiders feed on a variety of insects caught in their webs, including the notorious spotted lanternfly.
Unlike the spotted lanternfly, there hasn’t been any significant economic impact from Jorō spiders in the U.S. Their presence has been recorded in several states, and experts predict they will continue to spread across the eastern United States.
Should we be scared that the Jorō has arrived in Pa.?
Despite arachnophobia, there’s no strong reason to fear Jorō spiders. They are not aggressive and have venom too weak to cause harm. They do not attempt to enter homes and are relatively docile creatures. Reports of giant, flying spiders descending from the sky are misleading. Instead, these spiders disperse through ballooning, a natural method that allows them to travel long distances.
While Jorō spiders may not pose a direct threat to humans, they could disrupt the ecosystem by displacing native species. If you spot a Jorō spider, you can report it to organizations like Joro Watch or iNaturalist to help scientists track their movement.