They’re here! Palm-sized spider spotted in Massachusetts

A giant Joro spider has been confirmed in Boston for the first time.

It’s “the most northern sighting yet, A Joro spider has made it to Massachusetts. The giant, venomous arachnid was spotted in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood.

The Boston Herald first reported the spider’s arrival on Wednesday and talked to a scientist who said this is the most northern sighting yet of the creature.

“That’s definitely a big fat female Joro spider,” University of Georgia researcher Andy Davis told the newspaper. Ecologists said earlier this year that it’s a matter of when, not if the Joro spiders spread to the northeast. 

What is a Joro spider?

A Joro spider stands out due to its bright yellow hue and legs that can reach lengths of up to 4 inches. According to a pest control company in New Jersey, these spiders “fly” by letting out silk threads that catch the wind, enabling them to glide through the air. Originally identified in Georgia in 2014, Joro spiders are an invasive species that have quickly expanded their range throughout the South.

Are Joro spiders dangerous?

Joro spiders possess venom; however, they tend to avoid human interaction and infrequently bite, as noted by Penn State Extension. The organization further explains that the venom is mild, resulting in bites that are generally less painful than a bee sting, causing only temporary localized pain and redness that resolves swiftly without treatment. Experts assert that these spiders pose no danger to humans, as their diet primarily consists of insects and other organisms that become ensnared in their webs.

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