Joro Spider
Trichonephila clavata
Joro spiders utilize a technique called 'ballooning,' where they release silk threads to catch wind currents, allowing them to travel vast distances through the air.
- Scientific name
- Trichonephila clavata
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Arachnida › Araneae › Nephilidae › Trichonephila
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- increasing
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Forest edges, woodlands, and urban environments such as gardens, porches, and power lines.
- Diet
- Insectivorous; primarily eats flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and the invasive brown marmorated stink bug.
- Range
- Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, United States (Southeastern region)
- Size
- Females reach 3 inches (7.6 cm) including leg span; males are significantly smaller.
- Lifespan
- 1 year
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Widespread pesticide use and habitat fragmentation, though the species is currently thriving and expanding its range.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and docile. These spiders are extremely shy and will rarely bite even when handled. If bitten, the pain is comparable to a mild bee sting. If you encounter one, maintain a respectful distance to avoid damaging its web. If skin contact occurs, wash with soap and water.
Trichonephila clavata , also known as the Jorō spider (ジョロウグモ（女郎蜘蛛、上臈蜘蛛）, Jorō-gumo ), is a member of the golden orb-web spider genus. The spider can be found throughout Japan except Hokkaidō, in Korea, Taiwan, China, and more recently, northeast Georgia in North America. Due to the large size as well as the bright, unique colors of the female Trichonephila , the spider is well-favored in Japan.
Photo: Kumon, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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