Scientists and arachnophobes alike have had their eyes on a certain invasive spider species in the US – the Jorō spider. These eight-inch-long arachnids, with their striking black and yellow bodies and intricately woven golden webs, have been creeping into the southern US states since 2014. But as winter approaches, many have wondered – will these spiders die off when the cold weather hits?
To answer this question, researchers at the University of Georgia conducted an experiment in which they exposed two dozen Jorō spiders to below-freezing temperatures. The results were surprising – nearly 75 percent of the spiders were unaffected and showed no signs of injury. This means that there is a high chance of the Jorō spiders surviving the harsh winter and continuing to expand their territory.
But how far will this invasive species spread? According to biologists and entomologists, the Jorō spider is likely to make its way as far north as Canada and as far west as Washington state. This is because the spider is native to Asia, where its range includes much of western China and the entire Korean peninsula – areas known for their colder climates.
The study also compared the Jorō spider to its North American rival, the golden silk spider. Both spiders are orb-weavers, meaning they create circular webs. While the golden silk spider is native to the southern US, it is thought to have first arrived via the tropics. This may explain why it did not fare as well in the freezing experiment, with only half of the spiders surviving.
However, while the Jorō spider may seem like a fierce competitor, experts say it is not a major threat to native biodiversity. According to PhD student and ecologist José R. Ramírez-Garofalo, who conducts research for Rutgers’ Lockwood Lab, there is no need to demonize this newly invasive species. In fact, Ramírez-Garofalo assures that the Jorō spider is not a threat to humans, dogs, or cats, and will not bite unless provoked.
There have been no documented fatalities or medically significant bites from Jorō spiders. This, coupled with their reluctance to bite, indicates that they pose no real threat to humans or pets. This is good news for those who may have been concerned about this invasive species taking over their backyards.
However, this does not mean that we should be complacent about the Jorō spider. As with any invasive species, there is a risk of disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. This is why researchers need to continue studying the behavior and impact of the Jorō spider in its new environment.
The Jorō spider may not die off in the winter as many may have hoped, but experts say it is also not a cause for panic. Unfortunately, experts believe that the species is here to stay. As we learn more about this intriguing arachnid, we will gain a better understanding of its role in the ecosystem and how to coexist with it in our shared environment.
