Bad News For American Residents Who Don’t Like Spiders
If you’re among the 3-15 percent of the population suffering from arachnophobia, we’ve unfortunately got some horrible news for you, particularly if you’re planning to be in the New York area this Summer. The New York tri-state area is poised to be overrun with an invasive spider species native to Japan. The creatures, known as Joro spiders, are instantly recognizable from their large size and bright, vibrant colors, though they luckily pose no threat to human beings.
They’ve Been Among Us For A While
While the invasive spider species may be new to the big apple, they have already been in the United States for some time. Researchers aren’t exactly sure how they made their trip across the Pacific, though the Joro spiders have been spotted within the Southern states of our nation for over a decade, first arriving sometime in the ballpark of 2013. The first American states to house the eight-legged creepy crawlies include Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, demonstrating a fairly clear travel path edging further and further North.
Spiders In The Big Apple
This year, the invasive spider species has been seen weaving intricate web patterns in the bushes across Maryland, sending a clear signal to spider scientists that the giant bugs are making their way up North. Joros are characterized by their large ovular webs with golden thread, as well as their massive bodies, with legs that can span up to 8 inches long. While the spiders are not native to any American landscapes, they seem to be acclimated to survival in locales across the country, even the bustling cityscapes of New York and New Jersey.
Cloudy With A Chance Of Spiders
Now here’s where the real bad news comes in, so please take a seat if you’re already panicking about the prospect of encountering these colorful bugs. The invasive Joro spiders travel through a method called ballooning, which sees them using their webs to ride through the skies, eventually raining down into new lands miles and miles from their departure point.
If you’re a New Yorker and not happy about the prospect of looking into the sky and seeing dozens of massive yellow and red spiders parachuting into your borough, now might be the time to book a road trip out West for the summertime.
Not Harmful To Humans
As stated above, the invasive spiders are not known to cause any harm to humans, despite their incredibly freaky appearance. Scientists still don’t know what kind of long-term impact the invasive spiders will have on the bug and wildlife populations across the country, though the spiders seem to be doing their part to curtail other invasive creatures such as the spotted lanternfly. With any luck, the Joro populations might actually be beneficial to the Northern states, save for the few people per year who suffer heart attacks at the sight of them.
They Won’t Give You Powers
Lastly, and this should go without saying, don’t attempt to force these invasive spiders to bite you, as there’s about a zero percent chance that they’ll give you superpowers. The mandibles of the Joro spiders are said to be too small and fragile to break human skin anyway, so you’ll really just be wasting time.
Source: Gizmodo
