Now, these colossal parachute spiders, known as Joro spiders, are on the move, spreading like wildfire across the East Coast of the United States.
From The New York Post:
The Joro spiders, arachnids known for their vibrant yellow-and-black patterns and ability to weave parachutes, are thriving in the Carolinas and are expected to spread across the East Coast in the coming years, according to a new study.
Clemson University researchers have found that the Joros, who made their way to the US aboard shipping containers from Asia nearly a decade ago, have since expanded and reside within a 75,000-mile ecosystem across North and South Carolina, and Georgia.
Some of the spiders, which can grow to the size of a palm of a hand, have even been spotted in Maryland now as they head north by riding their parachutes.
“And not only that; they are spreading like wildfire,” researchers noted. “Data shows that this spider is going to be able to inhabit most of the eastern U.S.”
Unlike their native Asia, Joros have found little to get in their way in North America, as the spiders have no natural predators here and enjoy plenty of food.
Researchers noted that the large arachnid is an indiscriminate eater, meaning it will eat just about anything that gets trapped in its web.
“These spiders don’t seem to care what gets in their web; they’re just as likely to eat brown marmorated stink bugs as they are to eat a Monarch butterfly,” lead researcher professor David Coyle said in a statement.
Well, I can tell you this – if I were living on the East Coast, that would be my signal to pack up and hit the road.
Or, perhaps, consider the fiery option of burning the whole area down to a crisp.
