Invasive Joro Spiders Spotted in Massachusetts for the First Time

The venomous yet harmless East Asian spiders have been found in Boston, marking their northernmost sighting in the U.S.

The Joro spider, native to East Asia, was first spotted in Georgia in the early 2010s and has since spread to numerous states.
These spiders, known for their bright yellow and black coloring, can grow up to four inches in body length.
Despite being venomous, Joro spiders pose no significant threat to humans or pets, with bites causing only minor irritation.
Joro spiders use a 'ballooning' technique to travel, releasing silk threads that allow them to be carried by the wind.
Ecologists warn that the spiders are likely to continue spreading across northeastern and other eastern states in the coming years.