Joro spiders are making themselves at home in the eastern United States, with their ability to construct large webs in urban and suburban areas. Despite their intimidating appearance, these spiders have a unique ability to remain calm and collected even when faced with stress, as revealed by a recent study.
Originally from East Asia, Joro spiders made their way to the U.S. about a decade ago and have since spread to several states. Researchers believe that their physiological response to stress may be one of the reasons for their successful invasion and adaptation to urban environments.
In a study published in the journal Physiological Entomology, scientists found that Joro spiders maintain a relatively stable heart rate even under stressful conditions. This ability to handle stress may explain their ability to thrive in areas populated by humans.
To investigate the spiders’ stress response, researchers monitored the heart rates of Joro spiders as well as other spider species under controlled conditions. They found that Joro spiders and golden silk orb weavers had less variable heart rates compared to garden spiders when exposed to stress. This suggests that Joro spiders have a more consistent response to stress, which may help them cope with urban environments.
The researchers also discovered that Joro spiders freeze for up to an hour when disturbed, indicating a unique behavioral response to stress. This ability to remain still and wait out a problem rather than fight or flee could be another factor contributing to their success in suburban and urban areas.
According to biologist Erin Grabarczyk, understanding the physiological and behavioral differences between spider species can provide valuable insights into their ecology. Further research on individual stress responses within the Joro spider population could shed light on how these spiders have adapted to urban environments.
Moving forward, researchers are interested in studying the differences between Joro spiders that live in communal webs versus those that live solo. By exploring the relationship between spider physiology and lifestyle, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of how these spiders cope with daily stressors in their environment.
In conclusion, the study highlights the unique ability of Joro spiders to remain composed under stress, which may be key to their success in urban and suburban areas. By unraveling the physiological and behavioral mechanisms that enable these spiders to thrive in human-populated environments, researchers can deepen their understanding of spider ecology and adaptation strategies.
