Giant, Venomous, ‘Flying,’ Spiders May Invade Michigan in 2025

Yes, a giant, flying, venomous spider is creeping across the U.S., and everyone seems to be losing their mind. Michiganders, rest easy, at least for now. The Mitten State is free of these eight-legged aviators, known as Joro spiders, for the time being. However, according to the Detroit Free Press, experts predict that this 'flying' arachnid could make its way to Michigan sooner rather than later.

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So, how can you identify a Joro spider? Well, if you see one flying through the air, chances are it's a Joro. Joro spiders also have large yellow and black strips that make them look like refugees from a Spirit Halloween store. Females grow to have a leg span of 6 to 8 inches (with their legs fully outstretched); the males are much smaller, with a leg span between 1/4 and 3/4 of an inch.

How Do Joro Spiders "Fly"?

First, let's clarify the flying bit. No, Joro spiders don't have wings or jet packs (how cool would that be?), but they can craft a personal parachute with their webbing. The technique is called ballooning, and it involves spinning silk parachutes that are lifted by the wind.

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Ballooning is pretty much limited to Joro hatchlings, who are barely the size of a grain of rice when their chutes catch a breeze and are launched into the wind, where they'll gracefully land on unsuspecting picnickers miles away.

Venomous? Yes. Dangerous? Not Really

Yes, Joro spiders have venom, but it's more of a "mild bee sting" than a "call 911." Their fangs are so tiny that they have trouble piercing human skin, and if they do, their venom causes a sting and some redness.

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Honestly, the biggest risk Joro spiders pose to Michiganders if they make their way into the state is that they will startle you enough to spill your coffee.

Can Joro Spiders Survive a Michigan Winter?

Experts think so. Joro spiders have a supercharged metabolism that allows them to handle colder temperatures. They've already established a strong foothold in states with similar climates, such as Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

The final verdict? Even if Joro spiders make their way to Michigan in 2025, as some experts predict, according to WILX, they're more drama than danger. And if one does show up? Grab your camera before grabbing the bug spray.