LEGGY INVADERS

Venomous, fist-sized spiders might spread into Canada. But experts say fear not

- KEVIN JIANG

Japanese yellow Joro spiders have not yet been reported in Canada, but have been found in parts of the southern and eastern U.S. after first being detected in Georgia in 2013.

On the surface, the joro spider might seem like an arachnophobe’s worst nightmare.

The venomous critters are massive by Canadian standards, females growing up to eight centimetres in length with their spindly legs fully extended — enough to cover the palm of your hand, experts say. Their bulbous abdomens are painted in hues of black and bright yellow, adding to their intimidating appearance.

But despite the spooky facade, humans have nothing to fear from the joro spider, or Trichonephila clavata, according to Jaime Pinzon, a research scientist and arachnologist with the Canadian Forest Service. Docile and skittish in nature, the worst the critters can do in most cases is scare you.

After establishing and spreading across parts of the U.S. in the last decade, Pinzon believes it’s “probably a matter of time” before the species, native to East Asia, makes its way into Canada — largely as a consequence of climate change.

“They seem to be relatively tolerant to cold and freezing temperatures,” he said.

“ … With the trend of milder winters over the last few years, if these continue happening and if the spiders continue spreading north, they may be able to establish (in Canada) at some point in the future.”

What are joro spiders?