Have You Spotted These Giant Joro Spiders in Your Area?

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SUMMARY

The Asian Joro spider, a relative of the native Golden Orb Weaver, has been spreading across the United States from Georgia for approximately a decade. Unlike the Golden Orb Weaver, which is confined to the humid Southeast, the Joro spider thrives in temperate climates, allowing for broader distribution. These spiders are harmless, with small fangs that rarely penetrate human skin, and their bites are less painful than a bee sting. There are no documented allergic reactions to Joro spider venom, making them a non-threatening presence in the ecosystem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spider taxonomy, specifically the Trichonephila genus.
  • Knowledge of spider web characteristics, including the differences between Joro and Argiope webs.
  • Familiarity with the ecological impact of invasive species.
  • Basic awareness of spider bite effects and first aid responses.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the ecological impact of the Asian Joro spider on local ecosystems.
  • Learn about the differences between the Joro spider and other common spiders like the Golden Orb Weaver and Argiope.
  • Investigate spider bite management and first aid techniques for non-venomous bites.
  • Explore the spread of invasive species in the U.S. and their management strategies.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for ecologists, entomologists, and anyone interested in understanding the impact of invasive spider species on local environments.

BWV
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apologies for the clickbaity title, the Asian Joro spider, a relative of the native golden orb weaver, has been spreading from GA for about a decade. The spiders thrive in Japan's temperate climate, which means they can eventually spread throughout the US, unlike the Golden Orb Weaver, which is limited to the humid and warm Southeast. The spiders are harmless and beautiful -anyone seen one in their area?

adult-female-joro-spiders-can-sometimes-reach-3-in.jpg

more info at:
https://extension.psu.edu/joro-spiders

Jorō spiders do not have medically important bites. The fangs of jorō spiders are small and have difficulty piercing human skin. The spiders themselves are reluctant biters and it can be difficult to make them bite you even when the spiders are handled. The venom is weak, so when bites do occur they are less painful than a bee sting and only produce localized pain and redness that dissipates quickly without intervention. The author could not find any published reports of allergic reactions associated with jorō spider bites, although some people may be allergic to the venom.

This is the native Golden Orb Weaver, can see the difference in coloration:

trichonephila-clavipes.jpg
 
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I've never seen a joro.
If it has a well-formed web with a long zig zag, it's the common Argiope (Garden Spider).
So look for much thinner web.
 
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.Scott said:
I've never seen a joro.
If it has a well-formed web with a long zig zag, it's the common Argiope (Garden Spider).
So look for much thinner web.
And much bigger - the Trichonephila genus (Joro and Golden Orb Weaver) webs can be 10+ feet in diameter
 
BWV said:
And much bigger - the Trichonephila genus (Joro and Golden Orb Weaver) webs can be 10+ feet in diameter
That is bigger. I've seen an Argiope web span a four-foot wide path through a field - completely blocking it - because who wants to destroy that kind of art.
 
Went out to a park outside of Houston, was looking for some Golden Orbweavers, but instead found these Argiope:

42348-F25-B00-D-4910-8363-CABE3-F0080-FC.jpg

F731-DEEA-8885-4-E26-8-C1-B-0511-F5270-F8-B.jpg

97-EA539-D-908-C-4928-B836-5-D93-B0-C8716-E.jpg
 
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