They’re big, they’re colorful, they have eight legs, they can parachute and they’re invading the East Coast and news headlines.

Following new research out of the University of Georgia (UGA) this month, news reports about “Joro spiders” invading the East Coast exploded.

“Giant spiders expected to drop from sky across the East Coast this spring,” one headline said.

“Giant venomous spiders infiltrated the southeastern US and are expected to spread rapidly, experts say,” said a CNN headline.

But what exactly is a Joro spider? And should we be concerned about them eventually making their way to Pennsylvania?

The 3-inch long Joro spider is native to Korea, China, Taiwan, and Japan, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

The invasive species first arrived in Georgia in 2013 before quickly spreading across the state, according to UGA.

And if you’ve visited South Carolina, you’ve probably seen them there, too.

UGA says the Joro spider, which is about the size of a human hand, especially thrives in Japan, which has a similar climate to the southeastern United States.

The arachnids are resistant to colder weather and can also weave their webs into parachutes and ride the wind to travel – two characteristics that will help them spread across the United States, UGA says.

So, how soon can we expect to see them in our backyards here in Pennsylvania?

Probably not very soon, says Shannon Powers with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Powers says the department has not received any reports of Joro spiders in Pennsylvania.

Furthermore, experts here in Pennsylvania say that if the Joro spider species continues to spread at the same rate it has in Georgia, it would take about 30 years for it to reach the commonwealth.

“However, the ballooning behavior of the spiderlings could accelerate their spread, or someone could accidentally transport them here,” added Powers.

If and when the Joro spider does make its way to Pennsylvania, should we be concerned?

At this point, there’s no major reason to be concerned, experts say.

Although scientists don’t know what affect Joro spiders would have on Pennsylvania ecosystems, the giant spider is quite passive.

“The Joro spider has a reluctance to bite, weak venom, and a reported difficulty of piercing human skin,” said Powers. “The venom from a bite is typically less painful than a bee sting and only produces localized pain, redness and swelling. An allergic reaction is unlikely but possible and should be monitored as with most bites and stings.”

Finally, there’s a chance the Joro spider could actually help keep other invasive species under control.

“Spiders are generalist predators and the Joro spider would eat a variety of insects and spiders," Powers explained. "In Georgia, it has eaten Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs, which are an invasive species that has damaged fruit in the past."

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