Parade: What are Joro spiders?
UC biologist talks about enormous invasive spider that has been seen in southern states
Parade magazine talked to University of Cincinnati biologist Nathan Morehouse about an enormous invasive spider that is spreading across the American Southeast.
The Joro spider grows nearly as big as your palm. Normally found in Japan, the spiders were introduced to the United States in 2013. They expand their range as baby spiders when they release little parachutes that help them sail on the wind to new territories.
Morehouse, an associate professor of biology in UC's College of Arts and Sciences, told Parade magazine that the spiders got their name from Jorōgumo, a mythical creature from Japanese folklore.
"Jorōgumo are shapeshifting spiders that can turn into beautiful women to ensnare and eat young men," Morehouse told Parade. "The name in modern kanji translates literally to 'entangling bride.'"
Morehouse has studied the vision of spiders around the world and serves as director of UC's Institute for Research in Sensing.
Scientists say Joro spiders are more tolerant of cold temperatures than other spiders, which could help them spread farther north than native orb-weaving spiders found in the South.
The good news is Joro spiders are docile and have little interest in making a home in people's homes, he said.
And their enormous webs can trap plenty of biting flies or mosquitoes if people are willing to tolerate their colorful garden guests, Morehouse said.
"My best advice is to adopt a stance of curiosity toward these newcomers, which live fascinating and surprisingly beautiful lives, all while eating lots of insects every day and night," Morehouse said.
Featured image at top: Invasive Joro spiders have been seen in some southeastern states. Photo/Anthony Barkdoll/Courtesy the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
More UC biology news
Related Stories
From literature to AI: UC grad shares career path to success
April 23, 2024
Before Katie Trauth Taylor worked with international organizations like NASA, Boeing and Hershey, and before receiving accolades for her work in the generative AI space, she was in a much different industry: English and literature.
Local 12: Head injury survivor, doctor share importance of...
April 23, 2024
Local 12 spoke with patient Shane Shapiro and the University of Cincinnati's Laura Ngwenya about the importance of wearing a helmet following Shapiro's traumatic brain injury and recovery.
WVXU: Why is part of Green Township called Dent?
April 23, 2024
UC College of Arts and Sciences professor tells WVXU that Ohio's glacial past might explain how Dent got its name.