Entomologist Says That the Giant Flying Joro Spiders Are Not in Pennsylvania Yet

Giant venomous spiders with 4-inch-long legs, known as Joro spiders, are making their way across the East Coast. However, these insects have not yet reached Pennsylvania.

“They were initially discovered in 2014 in Georgia and have since spread to multiple states, primarily the ones neighboring Georgia,” stated Chad Gore, an entomologist working with Ehrlich Pest Control.

According to Gore, recent research has made predictions about the movement patterns of spiders.

“According to Gore, these things have a higher chance of spreading towards the north rather than the south.” “The northern states, and even parts of southern Canada, resemble their native range more closely.”

Have they arrived in Pennsylvania? Gore has declined.

“Observing their growth rate since their initial discovery a decade ago, it is noteworthy that they have yet to reach Pennsylvania,” he remarked.

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Is Pennsylvania on their itinerary? Research conducted by Penn State Extension in March 2022 suggests that there is a high probability of the insect spreading across eastern North America, potentially reaching as far north as Pennsylvania.

According to a recent study, Joro spiders have been expanding their territory by 10 miles per year since 2014, moving in all directions from their original location.

Researchers have concluded that at the current rate, southeastern Pennsylvania could be reached in 35 years, followed by northwestern Pennsylvania in 60 years.

According to researchers, the chances of spiders appearing in the Keystone State are currently low, but they are expected to gradually increase as they naturally spread. However, it is important to remain cautious of a spider that may appear similar.

“A spider commonly found in Pittsburgh is the black and yellow orb weaver or the yellow garden spider,” Gore stated.

There is no need to worry about the Joro spider, as it poses no harm. There have been reports of its timid nature, but what about its impressive skill of parachuting through the air? Gore stated that this occurrence is limited to the younger individuals.

“The individuals who possess a 4-inch wide span between their legs are not the ones experiencing significant expansion,” stated Gore. “So those will remain in their current positions.” Rest assured, there is no need to be concerned about spiders of this size descending from the sky.