Don’t Get Bit By These New Giant Flying Spiders In Tennessee
A new spider has made its way to the United States, and the people of Tennessee are wondering if they should be concerned about its poisonous bite.
Let's take a look at these Japanese spiders and see what kind of dangers they bring to us.
Giant venomous flying spiders from Japan, known as Joro spiders, have been making headlines in the U.S. as they spread across the country. Initially discovered in Georgia a decade ago, these brightly colored arachnids are expected to reach parts of the northeast as early as this year.
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What Are Joro Spiders?
Joro spiders (Trichonephila clavata) are notable for their large size and vibrant yellow and black coloration. According to Pennsylvania State University, these spiders can have a body span of up to 4 inches. Native to Asia, they are commonly found in Japan, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, India, and both North and South Korea.
How Did Joro Spiders Arrive in the U.S.?
The first U.S. sightings of Joro spiders occurred in three Georgia counties in 2014. Experts believe they were accidentally introduced through shipping containers or potted plant materials. Since then, they have spread to several southern states, including Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Isolated incidents have also been reported in Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Maryland.
Are Joro Spiders Dangerous?
Although Joro spiders are venomous, their bites are not considered medically significant. According to Penn State, these spiders are reluctant to bite and have small fangs that struggle to pierce human skin. When bites do occur, they are reportedly less painful than a bee sting and the discomfort typically subsides on its own.
Can Joro Spiders Fly?
Joro spiders have a unique ability called "ballooning," which allows them to travel through the air by releasing silk threads that catch the wind. This enables them to move over long distances—up to 100 miles at a time—though they do not actually have wings.
Spread to the Northeast
The Joro spider's ability to survive in low temperatures, similar to those in northern Honshu, Japan, suggests they could spread throughout eastern North America, potentially reaching as far north as Pennsylvania. This prediction has led to heightened concerns in states like New Jersey, New York, and Delaware.
Conclusion
These colorful arachnids, though striking in appearance, pose minimal risk to humans. For now, citizens of Tennessee can continue to enjoy their summer without the fear of being extremely harmed by these giant spiders.
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