Be On The Lookout For A New Invasive Species Of Spider In Ohio This Year
Here in Ohio, we’re no strangers to wildlife and creatures of all kinds. It’s a fact of life, especially if you’re exploring the great outdoors. According to a recent study, however, there may be a brand new kind of critter in our backyards: the Joro Spider. Common to Japan, this large, yellow spider has been spotted in the Southeast and it’s believed to be spreading to other parts of the country. Here’s more on a new invasive species of spider that may soon be arriving to the Buckeye State.
If you're not a big fan of spiders, you won't be happy to hear about a new species that's been making its way throughout the Southeast: Trichonephila clavata. More commonly known as the Joro Spider, this creature originally hails from Japan and a few other Asian countries.
The Joro Spider arrived in the U.S. in 2013 and has slowly been spreading throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Scientists believe it's only a matter of time before the spider is spotted in nearby regions, which could very well include Ohio.
The Joro Spider is fairly easy to spot: it's roughly palm-sized and has a striped yellow body. And while this creature looks quite intimidating, the good news is that it poses no threat to humans.
One of the reasons this spider can spread so quickly is that it can parachute on the wind using its unique, silk-like web. It's a close relative of the Golden Silk Spider, but better able to withstand cold and thus more likely to travel.
Another curious reason that these spiders spread is that humans can accidentally carry them from one place to the next. It's due to this reason that one has been spotted all the way in Oklahoma!
For more information about the Joro Spider, you can read this study published by the University Of Georgia. What are your thoughts on this invasive species? Feel free to share with us in the comments below!
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A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
