Are Joro Spiders Good Are They A Helpful Invasive Species

Joro spiders climb to the highest point, spin a tread of silk-like parachute and take off into the wind. This is one way they ensure their survival by starting new colonies in new locations. Should people along the Coast be concerned? Are these spiders poisonous? Do they destroy gardens? Do they carry diseases? Could they actually be a helpful species? Let’s find out!

What’s All The News About Joro Spiders?

Joro spiders are native to Japan and East Asia. Before 2014, there were no Joro spiders in the United States. But in 2014, people in Georgia came out to their gardens and noticed large golden webs with large colorful spiders. Researchers started taking DNA samples and discovered that this was a new species in the United States and identified it as the Joro Spider. There is always a concern if a new species will damage the ecosystem and how it will affect the plants, animals, and humans in the new environment.

What Are Joro Spiders?

Joro spiders are large colorful spiders with a leg span of 3-4 inches. Some refer to them as palm size, but their bodies are closer to the size of a quarter, measuring up to an inch long. With their legs spread out, they would cover a person’s hand. Their backs are black, with yellow stripes and a red marking. The red marking is found on their underside as well. They have long, skinny legs that are striped with alternating yellow and blue bands. The females are the ones that draw all the attention, with the males being quite smaller at a quarter-inch. Also, the males lack bright colors and are a mix of brown markings.

What Is An Example Of A Harmful Invasive Species In The US?

Some invasive species like wild boars wreak havoc on the environment. They cause economic problems when herds run through fields of crops, trampling and eating everything in their path. Wild boars (sometimes called feral pigs) kill off livestock like calves and lambs. They cause millions of dollars in damage across the United States. They also kill threatened and endangered species, preying on the nests of endangered birds like the prairie chicken and eliminating plants like Mead’s milkweed. Lastly, they are dangerous to humans by carrying diseases.

Are Joro Spiders An Invasive Species?

Yes and no. First, we need to define an invasive species. The term invasive is commonly used to define animals, plants, insects, etc., that weren’t in a particular place before. They are new to the environment or area. But the technical definition, according to the USDA, is that they have to be new to the environment and harmful. The USDA site states that an invasive species is one “whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” We know Joro spiders are new to the environment in the United States but are they harmful?

Are Joro Spiders Bad?

No, Joro spiders are not bad. They may be new to the United States, but they do not seem harmful.

Economic problems?: So far, Joro spiders do not seem to be causing any damage to crops, livestock or gardens. They have not had a negative economic effect.Environmental problems?: Joro spiders do not seem to compete with other established species. They have a different diet than the orb weaving spiders, so that does not seem to be an issue.Harm to human health?: Joro spiders are not harmful to humans. They are venomous, but their fangs are too small to break through human skin. If they can’t break the skin, they are unable to pass on diseases.