What would you do if you witnessed an invasion by giant “flying” spiders? Scientists fear the spider species will become endemic in the United States and threaten the country’s ecosystem.

Video shows how a spider “flies” – Photo: Reproduction/Science Magazine

According to Portal R7, the Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) is an exotic species measuring 20 centimeters in size, common in Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan. It is known to be poisonous and move by “ballooning”, that is, it produces threads of cobwebs and “flies” that are carried by wind currents.

Although joros have a threatening appearance, the risk they pose is more related to unforeseen impacts on the local ecosystem, where the species may lack suitable predators and easier breeding conditions exist.

Ecologists at Rutgers University said the spider could become common in New York and New Jersey within a few years.

A similar diagnosis was made by scientists from Clemson University, who stated that this species reproduces easily in the jungles of South Carolina. “They are here to stay,” said one study participant.

Despite the fear they cause, joros pose no threat to humans or pets, mainly because they are considered shy in the presence of larger animals.

“Most people think that the words “aggressive” and “aggressive” are synonymous. […] But [esses animais] they get along so well with people that they probably won’t go away any time soon,” said Amitesh Anerao, co-author of a study that debunks this view and argues that Joros are more peaceful than their appearance suggests.

See how spider species “fly”