The Joro spider, an East Asian species that has rapidly spread across the Southeastern U.S. since its arrival around 2013, is surprisingly timid and non-aggressive, as highlighted by a study from the University of Georgia. Despite its large size and a somewhat intimidating appearance, the Joro spider exhibits a unique behavior of freezing for over an hour when disturbed, considerably longer than most spiders, which typically resume activity in under a minute. This extraordinary stillness suggests that the Joro is more fearful of threats than aggressive toward them.
Researchers studied the responses of over 450 spiders across various species, discovering that while most spiders react quickly to disturbances, Joro spiders remain immobile, helping them thrive in urban environments filled with noise and activity. Although invasive, they are not a threat to native spiders, primarily outcompeting them through superior reproductive potential rather than aggression.
This understanding aims to alleviate public concern about the Joro spider, demonstrating its gentle nature. While they are expected to continue spreading due to their adaptability and reproductive capabilities, they pose minimal risk to humans and pets, making them largely harmless despite their presence.
