What are giant Joro spiders, and should you worry about them in NJ?
They can grow to roughly the width of a human hand, spin enormous golden webs and even travel through the air when young. But giant joro spiders aren't the horror-movie monsters their appearance might suggest. The joro spider is a colorful orb-weaving spider native to Asia that has been spreading through parts of the eastern United States. Adult females can have a leg span of up to 4 inches, according to Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Despite their intimidating appearance, Rutgers describes the spiders as shy, outdoor-dwelling and generally harmless to people and pets. And while the spiders have been documented close to New Jersey, Rutgers says they have not yet been confirmed in the state. So what exactly are joro spiders, and should New Jersey residents worry about their expected arrival? The joro spider, Trichonephila clavata, is an orb-weaving spider native to parts of Asia…