Shy and Harmless: The Truth About Giant Joro Spiders

Jorō spiders, an invasive species in the US, are actually some of the most timid spiders encountered, despite their impressive size. Researchers at the University of Georgia found that the spiders have a long-lasting stress response called thanatosis, whereby they freeze for over an hour when exposed to a threat. This response helps them conserve energy in urban environments where they like to colonize. The researchers also discovered that the jorōs' rapid spread is due to their incredible reproductive potential, not because they're displacing native spiders.