If you’re someone who’s scared of small, creepy insects, you might assume that you’d be safer in more populated areas.
One particular type of spider could thrive in bustling urban areas.
The Joro spider, an orb-weaving spider that was introduced to the United States in 2013, has been able to rapidly expand its range due to its remarkable ability to adapt to the vibrations and noise commonly found in urban environments, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia.
The Joro spider is a familiar sight in Georgia and other southern states.
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New research has shed light on the ability of spiders to thrive in environments that are typically considered stressful for other animals, such as busy roads and urban areas.
According to researchers, the Joro spiders appear to be unfazed by the hustle and bustle of busier landscapes. Interestingly, these spiders maintain a similar weight to their counterparts in less busy locations. Additionally, it was observed that Joro spiders show a lower likelihood of attacking simulated prey.
The researchers propose that the species has the ability to adapt to its environment despite the dominance of human presence in its landscape.
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Spiders frequently construct their shimmering webs in various locations, including power lines, spotlights, and even above gas station pumps.
The researchers conducted over 350 trials, using a tuning fork to replicate the vibrations of prey. Interestingly, the Joro spiders located near busy areas attacked their perceived prey over 50% of the time. On the other hand, spiders situated in less populated locations exhibited an attack rate of 65%.
The researchers, however, did not observe any significant difference in the weight of the spiders. This finding suggests that even in the busier areas, the spiders were not lacking in nourishment.
