How the Jorō spider arrived in the United States and why it is considered dangerous, despite not being a threat to humans
For some years now the United States has been dealing with the Trichonephila clavataor the Joro spider. It is a species that certainly does not go unnoticed, even though it is actually shy and not dangerous for humans. The reason is to be found in its considerable dimensions. It is in fact a spider generally as large as a hand. Experts believe this is a fact invading the USA.
The Jorō spider in the United States
Let’s start by saying that the Jorō spider is certainly not a native species of the United States. It is indeed native to Asia but for years now it has found fertile ground in North America. It is believed to be arrived in Georgia a decade ago, approximately, on board a container. The conditions found satisfied him and so it is reproduced as much as I can.
As mentioned, beyond the agitation it can cause in impressionable subjects, given its size, it is not dangerous for human health. Timid and non-aggressive, however, has come under the radar of some experts because it is considered invasive. In fact it could endanger native species.
Let’s discover the Jorō spider
As mentioned, the Joro spider it is native to Asia and specifically to countries such as Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. In the mid-2000s this species was identified in the eastern United States.
Whether it is true or not that they have arrived aboard a container about 10 years ago, it matters little. What is relevant is the fact that they found here a comfortable habitat for their habits. Thus they survived initially, and then later explode its populationStill expanding today.
Spotted in north-central and northeastern Georgia, as well as in Tennessee and South Carolina. Experts now expect reports along the east coast, in more northern areas, as well.
Among the key characteristics we point out that the Jorō spider is affected by sexual dimorphism. This means that they are there obvious differences between males and females. The latter are larger and their body is yellow and black/blue. The males, however, remain small and brown.
As if they were unaware of their size and the type of threat they could pose, they are shy and they tend to paralyze when faced with a threat like the human one. For this reason they tend to avoid the interiors of homes. Their gigantic cobwebs find space in the open air. This does not mean, however, that they prefer the countryside to the city, on the contrary. In fact, they are not intimidated by urban centers, with their constant noise.
As for potential risks, it’s good to know how the Jorō spider has poisonbut it is not dangerous for humans. In fact, it doesn’t even appear that the claws are large enough to penetrate human skin. However, a bite could certainly generate a sense of pain and discomfort, as well as cause reactions such as swelling, redness and a little fever. In some cases, however, allergic reactions. So it’s always better not to bother them.
