Venomous flying spiders with 4-inch legs spread across the US
Giant invasive spiders have been spreading across the United States, but experts assure that they pose little threat to humans and pets.
The 4-inch Joro spiders have been spreading across the South and East Coast in the U.S. for years, and they are slated to arrive in New York and New Jersey anytime soon, as per the ABC News report.
These giant spiders have black and yellow with red markings on their body. They are native to East Asia, but there have been recorded sightings of them in the U.S. for years. What distinguishes them from other kinds is their ability to fly using a tactic called “ballooning.”
According to an Associated Press (AP) report, young Joro spiders can use their webs “to harness the winds and electromagnetic currents of the Earth to travel relatively long distances.” And like any other spiders, these giant critters carry venom.
Experts, however, assured that they are not dangerous to humans and pets. They feed on whatever lands on their webs, which is mostly other insects like butterflies, wasps, and cockroaches.
Dr. Andy Davis of the University of Georgia also described these critters as “shy and gentle.” If threatened, Joro spiders will play dead for around a minute to an hour, according to a study.
