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In recent years, several Southeastern US states have seen the arrival of a new, large, and colorful arachnid – the Joro spider. While the palm-sized yellow, blue-black, and red spider may appear intimidating, a recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that these creatures are much more reserved than we might expect.

Source: TODAY/Youtube

Originating from Asia, the Joro spider is renowned for its golden webs. The spider’s introverted nature was recently documented by scientists at the University of Georgia’s Odum School of Ecology, labeling it as the most timid spider ever documented.

The team conducted an experiment involving adult female Joro spiders and three locally common orb-weaving species in Georgia. The spiders were exposed to a mild disturbance – a brief puff of air – and the scientists evaluated how long they remained immobile, a behavior typically associated with fear or stress in spiders.

Most spiders, they found, remained still for less than a minute. However, the Joro spiders remained immobile for over an hour, indicating an extraordinary level of shyness. This behavior is believed to be the most extreme of its kind ever recorded among spiders.

First appearing in Georgia around a decade ago, Joro spiders have since spread across Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. They can grow up to 4 inches in length, making them a palm-sized presence that’s hard to ignore.

But, despite their alarming appearance, these giant spiders are far from threatening. In fact, they serve a valuable ecological role as pest controllers. According to Nancy Hinkle, an entomologist at the University of Georgia, Joro spiders present an excellent opportunity for natural pest control, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals.

While the sight of these large spiders and their extensive webs might make some people uneasy, they are ultimately a boon to the environment. Their shyness makes them unthreatening to humans, and their pest control abilities make them a beneficial presence in our ecosystems.

So, while the Joro spider might look like something out of a horror movie, the reality is much less dramatic. They’re not here to harm or scare us. They’re just shy newcomers trying to fit into their new environments, doing their part to maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystems, all while keeping a respectful distance. Let’s welcome these timid giants and appreciate their essential role in our biodiversity.

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