Giant venomous flying spiders with 4-inch legs heading to New York area as they spread across East Coast, experts say

Giant venomous flying spiders with 4-inch legs heading to New York area as they spread across East Coast, experts say

Updated on: June 4, 2024 / 2:32 PM EDT / CBS News

The Northeast U.S. is bracing for an invasion of giant venomous spiders with 4-inch-long legs that can parachute through the air. The Joro spiders, native to Asia, are expected to make their way up and down the U.S. East Coast, with experts warning that New York and New Jersey could be next on their path.

According to a peer-reviewed study by invasive species expert David Coyle, the Joro spiders were introduced to north Georgia around 2010 and have been spreading ever since. José R. Ramírez-Garofalo, an ecologist at Rutgers University’s Lockwood Lab, emphasized that it is not a matter of if but when the spiders will arrive in New York and New Jersey.

While the spiders are known for their vibrant yellow and grey bodies with a leg span of up to 4 inches, what sets them apart is their ability to fly using a technique known as ballooning. This unique trait allows them to release silk threads into the air and be carried by the wind, making them hard to miss.

Despite their venomous nature, experts assure that the Joro spiders do not pose a danger to humans. Their venom is reserved for creatures caught in their webs, such as butterflies, wasps, and cockroaches, as well as potentially threatening native spider species.

Reports of Joro spiders have been widespread across the eastern U.S., including states like Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Virginia. With New York being right in the middle of their preferred habitat, experts believe it is only a matter of time before the spiders make their presence known in the city and neighboring states.

As the summer approaches, residents are advised to be vigilant and aware of the potential presence of these giant flying spiders in their surroundings. While they may be unsettling to some, experts reassure that the Joro spiders are simply a new addition to the diverse ecosystem and pose no direct harm to humans or pets.