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Joro spiders, a kind of flying spider, have returned to the north Georgia. The spiders, which are about two inches tall, have everything draped in their silks.
They are known for their spherical orb webs unique to Asian spider species and they create nests as wide as three feet and as deep as ten. Yes, their webs are ten feet thick! Porches, mailboxes, fields and more are all covered in this spooky spider decor.
Many Georgia residents knew the spiders would be back but were shocked by the exponential growth of the spider population. One resident told reporters for: Live Science that a Joro spider web on his porch made the porch unusable for the summer.
Other residents reported seeing hundreds of Joro spiders in their backyards. Joro spiders are not only found in the residential areas of Georgia, however. They also build their home deep in the Georgian hinterland.
But the question remains, where will the Joro spiders go next?
What are Joro Spiders?
Joro spiders are an invasive species from East Asia. Brightly colored Joro spiders have brilliant yellow, red and blue markings on their bodies.
The spiders were first discovered in Atlanta in 2014 and have returned to the Georgia area every summer. Most likely they came to the United States via shipping containers. Each summer their population grew and this summer it reached record levels.
Harmless to humans, Joro spiders are poisonous, but only for their prey. A bite immobilizes any insects that become entangled in their webs. They pose no threat to humans or pets. In fact, a Joro spider bite won’t even break the skin.
Usually, invasive species pose a threat to local ecological systems, but Joro spiders can also be an exception. Local entomologists say the population of Joro spiders may be the natural answer to fighting other pests.
Another invasive species, brown marbled stink bugs are known for destroying crops in Georgia. Historically, they have never had a natural predator until now. Jorospins can also reduce populations of mosquitoes and others biting flies. Biologists are currently studying the spider to ensure that their ecological impact remains positive.
Where does the spider go?
The next big question for Joro spiders is: where are they going?
While many of the current Joro spiders will become extinct by mid-November, their offspring could travel across the Americas to hatch next summer. Egg sacs are spun from a light silk and usually contain about 400 spider babies.
The young will emerge next spring. Then they will use a silk thread to drive the wind to their next American stronghold. These youngsters can bridge great distances with these methods. Next summer, many other South American cities will see Joro cobwebs and the spiders themselves will begin to emerge.
Eventually, as the cycle progresses, Joro spiders will make their way across the United States as their young continue to ride through the wind each spring.
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