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Day: June 7, 2024
Alarm over the possible arrival of the Joro spider in the greater New York City area has sparked concern across the Northeast over the scary-looking eight-legged creature. But experts are advising residents to stay calm, calling the arachnid harmless and also questioning both whether and when the spider will arrive up north.
“There’s no reason to panic for this,” David Coyle, an assistant professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, tells TIME.
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The yellow and gray-colored arachnids are originally from east Asia. The creatures were first documented in the southeastern U.S. around 2013, but Coyle says it’s also possible that the spider arrived as early as 2010. Experts guess that the arachnids likely hitchhiked on cargo containers traveling to a town north of Atlanta.
Joro spiders are an invasive—meaning nonnative—species. In the U.S., the creatures mostly reside in North Georgia, the Appalachian region of South Carolina, the far west corner of North Carolina, and the far southeastern corner of Tennessee. Joro spiders have also been recorded as far north as Baltimore, according to inaturalist.org.
The spiders are around the size of a woman’s hand, with a body up to an inch long, and a leg span of up to four inches. Despite their size, experts say they are harmless. “In areas where the populations are high—are they annoying? Absolutely. They’re everywhere and their webs are huge,” says Coyle. “But in terms of danger, we haven’t seen anything like that.”
Here’s what to know about the spider.
Will the spider actually reach New York City?
While it is possible the Joro spider could travel to New York City, it would have to reach the metro area through some sort of human-aided movement.
“In terms of if or when [the Joro spider] will get there, we have no idea. It could be a year, could be a decade—there’s really no way to tell. On its own, it’s not really traveling that far,” says Coyle. “[But] there’s always the possibility of a hitchhiking population, which is probably how that little spot up by Baltimore got started.”
Coyle notes that it would only take a group of the spider’s egg sacks to be transported from one location to the next for the spider population to take root in another state. Still, experts say that any estimates on timing would be pure speculation. Andy Davis, a research scientist at the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia, adds that even if there were a few reports of the spiders in New York, it would still take years for the number of spiders to become a viable population.
It’s still very possible for the creature to live in a place like New York based on their physiology. “If you look at their native range in East Asia, it’s a very big range with a large degree of latitudes from northern Japan all the way down to Taiwan,” says Davis. “If you extrapolate that, that means these fighters could probably live in a place like Maine or South Florida if they wanted to.”
Does the Joro spider fly?
Joro spiders do not fly—or at least, not the way some people might be picturing it. Coyle says that younger Joro spiders do travel by air when they are spiderlings. “Some of them will kind of get up on a high perch, and they’ll let a few strains of silk go, and some of that silk is going to get captured by the wind, and they’re going to get blown away,” he says. It’s a common process known as ballooning.
By the time arachnids get larger, however, they are not able to float around in the air.
Is the spider harmful to humans or pets?
Experts say the Joro spider does not pose a risk to humans or pets. “They have venom just like any other spider does,” says Davis. “But as long as you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.” Part of that has to do with the personality of the spider, which experts describe as fairly docile and shy. Even if a person were to get bitten by a Joro spider, Coyle says that it is akin to a mosquito bite, while Davis compares it to more of a bee sting.
Pets will also likely be safe around the species. Joro spiders spend a majority of their time in webs above the ground, per Davis, which is probably too high for a cat or dog to reach. Even then, any sort of attack by the spider would have to have been provoked.
“They would prefer to not bite you because from a biological perspective, producing venom for anything really costs a lot of physiological energy,” says Coyle. “They’re really only going to bite if they’re completely trapped as a last defense mechanism.”
Is the spider harmful to the environment?
Experts are not sure about the Joro spider’s impact on the environment. The critters are not comparable to spotted lanternflies, which experts encourage people to kill because they are a danger to more than 100 trees and plants.
The Joro spider, however, does not harm any vegetation. Experts are mixed on how they affect native species of spiders. Davis says that Juro spider webs have been seen next to native spider webs, which means the two can coexist. “What could be happening is that the Joro spiders are out-competing some of our native spiders for food, because they’re both going after the same food,” says Davis. “But on the other hand, Joro spiders could end up becoming a food source themselves for somebody else, by some of our birds, or their egg cases could be a tasty snack for a raccoon in the winter.”
Coyle says that in areas with a high population of Joros, there are not as many native spider species seen, though it is not clear what would keep the differing types of spiders apart.
Davis says it’s not necessary to kill the spider, though Coyle says that people can squash the arachnid if that makes them the most comfortable. “Are you going to make any measurable impact on the populations? No. But if that’s your thing, go for it,” he notes.
Pride Month is well underway, and while Manhattan’s big Pride events aren’t until the end of the month, this weekend is the big one in Brooklyn as the borough celebrates its annual Pride Festival and Twilight Parade. But the fun doesn’t stop there — you can party, celebrate, learn, and find community at events all over Brooklyn all month long.
Here’s a guide to just some of those events, in chronological order:
Brooklyn Pride Festival & Twilight Parade
Brooklyn Pride is an all-day, family-friendly celebration with something for everyone — starting with an LGBTQIA+ run/walk in Prospect Park at 10 a.m. Then, at 11 a.m., the Pride Multicultural Festival begins on 5th Avenue between Union and 9th streets. The entire avenue will be filled with vendors, food, and activities — including a Family Fun Zone — until 5 p.m.
The Brooklyn Pride Parade kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on June 8. File photo courtesy of Donna Aceto
At the heart of the festival is the main stage at the Old Stone House, where you can find live music, drag performances, and more from 12-6 p.m. — all totally free.
The day ends with the beloved Pride Twilight Parade. This glittering, colorful parade is full of locals and organizations celebrating their Pride and showing love and support for Brooklyn’s queer community. Be sure to get there early, because the sidewalks are bound to be packed with people celebrating Pride! The Twilight Parade kicks off at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Lincoln Place at 7:30 p.m., and continues down to 8th Street.
June 8. Free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Event times and locations vary.
Big Summer Pride Twirl
The Big Summer Get Down is back at Brooklyn Bridge Park, starting with the family-friendly Big Summer Pride Twirl on June 8. Celebrate Pride with the art collective Papi Juice, DJ sets by Venus X and Kia, and a performance by Essa Noche. Kinky Taco will be serving up delicious eats, with beer and wine for those 21+. Dance, twirl, and celebrate Pride with a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline!
June 8. 4-9 p.m. Free, RSVP in advance. Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 3 Plaza, 334 Furman St. in Dumbo.
Brooklyn Pride Carnival
Head to the Brooklyn Museum to celebrate Pride with Funky Reggae House Party, a Brooklyn-based collective that amplifies queer and trans West Indian community. Inspired by the traditions of their homeland, Trinidad, Funky Reggae House Party will put on a host of dynamic live performances, including DJ sets and appearances by musicians Krys X, Cakey Koutour, and Alex Mali.
Aunts et Uncles will be there serving up drinks and island-inspired bites, and tickets include after-hours access to the exhibit “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.”
June 8. 7 p.m.-midnight. $15+. The Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway in Prospect Heights.
Prideshow at the Sideshow
Is there anywhere better than to celebrate Pride than in Coney Island? Nancy Nogood is back for another raucous celebration with drag kings and queens from all over New York City. With performers including Tuna Melt, Mx. Ology, Reina Nobuena, and, of course, Nancy Nogood herself, you’re in for an evening of laughs, drama, and excellent drag.
June 14. 9 p.m. $20. Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave. in Coney Island.
Youth Pride 2024
Young Brooklynites can celebrate Youth Pride on June 15!File photo by Arthur de Gaeta
This Pride celebration was created specially for Brooklynites ages 13-21! The day is jam-packed with events — including performances by young artists (sign-ups are still open, for any young Brooklynites interested in taking the stage,) arts and crafts, giveaways, and live music all day! Youngsters can also strike a pose in the photo booth, get competitive with some carnival games, and enjoy delicious snacks and (kid-friendly) beverages.
June 15. 12-5 p.m. Free, RSVP in advance. 4th Street near 5th Avenue next to the JJ Byrne Playground in Park Slope.
Brooklyn Pride Comic Book Fair
What was once a tiny outdoor fair has grown into a small-scale convention right here in Crown Heights! The Brooklyn Comic Pride Fair is a great way to meet queer artists and cartoonists and pick up some new comic books and art from marginalized vices! The fair even includes art and comics-related panels with local artists and writers. Masks are mandatory, as the Brooklyn Comic Pride Fair was started as a way for immunocompromised artists to attend conventions safely.
The Fair is followed by the annual (Un)Masked Ball at Anyone Comics, with drinks, drag performances, trivia, and burlesque.
June 15. 12-7 p.m. Free. Brooklyn Pride Center, 1561 Bedford Ave. in Crown Heights.
Gender-Affirming Clothing Swap
Are you ready to pick out some new duds that fit your identity? Do you have a stockpile of old clothes that don’t quite suit you anymore? Celebrate Pride at the Bay Ridge Library’s Gender-Affirming Clothing Swap, where you can donate old clothes in good condition and pick out some free new items for yourself! All clothing is free, but donations are limited to five items per person, and donations will be accepted all month until the event itself. The clothing swap is for Brooklynites ages 18+.
June 15. 2-4 p.m. Free. Bay Ridge Library, 7723 Ridge Blvd. in Bay Ridge.
Intergenerational Pride and Paint
At this intergenerational event, older Brooklynites are invited to express themselves and their Pride through paint and other activities in a safe and supportive space. Meet other members of the community, foster your creativity, and even enjoy some personal and professional development through a range of activities. Or, if you prefer, just relax and mingle!
June 24. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Brooklyn Pride Center, 1360 Fulton St. in Bed-Stuy.
Hot & Fresh Burlesque – Pride Edition
This special edition burlesque show isn’t just for experienced performers — aspiring burlesque dancers of all experience levels are welcome to try their hand at the art – with a supportive audience, of course! Head to House of Yes! to cheer on first-timers and emerging artists as they shimmy out of their clothes and bust out some burlesque moves, and enjoy some special surprise performers. Are you interested in trying it out yourself? Just email takeitoff(@)houseofyes(.)org with your performance pitch!
Be warned — audience participation is encouraged, and participants should come ready to tip!
June 20. 7-10 p.m. Free. House of Yes!, 2 Wyckoff Ave. in Bushwick.
Drag Story Hour
Kids will love Drag Story Hour at the Brooklyn Museum! Photo courtesy of Winston Williams/Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Museum hosts this Drag Story Hour every month – but it’s especially relevant during Pride Month! Head over to Crown Heights with your little ones for a storytime that celebrates the uniqueness of all kids and all families. Drag Story Hour NYC is dedicated to celebrating gender diversity and differences of all kinds to help kids gain empathy and build confidence — all while having a great time!
June 27. 3-4 p.m. Free. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. in Crown Heights.
Queer Garden NYC Pride Party
Hosted by Mal from Netflix’s “The Ultimatum: Queer Love,” Queer Garden bills itself as the ultimate party for queer women and the whole LGBTQIA+ community celebrating Pride weekend in New York City! From 2-10 p.m. BK Backyard bar will be busting with live music, DJs, delicious food and drinks, and hundreds of attendees! Wrap up Pride month in style.
June 30. 2-10 p.m. $45+. Bk Backyard Bar, 86 North 11th St. in Williamsburg.
The president’s son is being tried on federal firearm charges for allegedly lying about his drug use when he bought a gun in 2018. And as presidential primary season concludes, we turn our attention to the congressional races likely to determine control of the House and Senate.
This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales.
The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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