Be On The Lookout For A New Invasive Species Of Spider In Maine This Year
If our readers are anything like us, there’s a good chance you’d rather spend the night with a crocodile than a spider! There’s something about the legs and the swiftness of their movements that has us running from any room in which we find one. But, it might be time to face that fear with the threat of these new invasive spiders in Maine. Scientists have begun warning the eastern seaboard about the Joro spider, a large spider with roots in Asia. They’ve been spotted in Florida and Georgia, but with weather changes, they could be headed north.
Known officially as the Trichonephila clavata or the Joro spider, they're large and in-charge. They can get to be the size of a human palm.
While they might sound unexpected, they've actually become more prevalent over the years and it sounds like it might be time for Mainers to get used to them!
You'll be able to spot a Joro spider by looking for their distinctive large, thick, golden-colored web. Female adults are the most noticeable with an abdomen that can grow as large as a human thumb. Males are much smaller. Can you spot the male in this photo?
If you've already heard about these spiders you might be familiar with their "parachuting" abilities. This refers to the fact that the males and younger spiders can float through the air on their silky strands. In fact, they have been known to travel up to 100 miles this way!
While it's easy to see them and be frightened, they really don't pose much of a threat. While they're mildly venomous their fangs are too small to puncture human skin and they're not aggressive unless scared.
So, if you find yourself face-to-face with one it's a good idea to simply take a look and continue on your way. You might even come to appreciate them!
Have you seen any of these creepy crawlers in your neck of the woods in Maine? Let us know in the comments so we can make plans not to visit!
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
