Are There Flying Spiders? Sort of. While they don’t have wings, Joro spiders, large, colorful arachnids native to East Asia, can travel long distances through the air using a technique called ballooning. They release silk strands that catch the wind, allowing them to be carried away, sometimes for hundreds of miles. These spiders have recently spread across the southeastern United States and are now making their way north.
Joro Spider Diet: What Do They Eat?
Joro spiders are not picky eaters. Research from Clemson University indicates they consume a variety of flying insects, from stink bugs to monarch butterflies. Essentially, anything that gets caught in their large, intricate webs becomes a meal. Despite their size and ability to travel through the air, these spiders pose no significant threat to humans or pets. In urban environments, they might even help control pest populations by feeding on roaches and wasps.
Japanese Joro orb-weaver spider eating a grasshopper
Joro Spider Origins and US Distribution
First spotted in Georgia in 2014, Joro spiders are an invasive species in the United States. Since then, they have rapidly expanded their range, with confirmed sightings in numerous states across the Southeast, including Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Data suggests they are well-suited to the climate of much of the eastern US and will likely continue to spread northward.
Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) making her web nests
Joro Spider Venom: Are They Dangerous?
Joro spiders are venomous, meaning they possess venom to subdue their prey. However, their venom poses little threat to humans. Bites are rare, as these spiders are incredibly shy and non-aggressive. Studies have shown that Joros are more likely to freeze in place for extended periods when disturbed than to attack. Even if a bite does occur, the pain is typically less severe than a bee sting, with minor localized redness and swelling. Their fangs are often too small to puncture human skin effectively.
A Joro spider
Joro Spider Control: Should You Kill Them?
Experts advise against killing Joro spiders. They are not aggressive and haven’t demonstrated a significant negative impact on local ecosystems. If a spider is found inside a home, it can be easily relocated using a broom or stick. Pesticides are generally discouraged as they can harm other beneficial insects and are unnecessary for controlling this timid species. Coexisting with Joro spiders is likely the best approach, as they play a role in controlling other insect populations.
Joro Spider Size and Ballooning Behavior
Female Joro spiders can reach impressive sizes, with bodies up to an inch long and leg spans up to four inches. Males are significantly smaller. Their webs are even larger, sometimes exceeding 10 feet in width. The “flying” behavior, known as ballooning, is primarily observed in spiderlings. They use this method to disperse and establish new populations, often traveling considerable distances with the help of wind currents. This explains the rapid spread of Joro spiders across the US.
