The coming invasion of giant spiders in cities: Scientists explain why this species is multiplying
Guru spiders from Asia have been invading American infrastructure for several years. One study shows that this species has everything it needs to evolve due to its ability to adapt.
This is not a disaster movie scenario, but a very real scientific prediction. A few years ago, guru spiders, Trichonephila clavata, were introduced to the United States.
The first report was recorded in 2014, and the specimen apparently landed on a highway in Georgia via a shipping container, as one of the scientists who studied the species noted, Rick Hubicki, collections manager at the Georgia Museum of Natural History.
Since then these species have stabilized and evolved. What is even more surprising is that these spiders appear to be adapting to urban infrastructure, thus challenging the usual behavior of spiders. That is why they will spread and invade cities, according to what scientists published They work in February.
Characteristics of these spiders Guru
These spiders are distinguished by their size and colour: females can reach 7.6 cm in diameter and have yellow stripes, marked geography.
Their web can easily reach almost two meters in diameter.
Present on the sides of the roads
The proliferation of these spiders has become increasingly evident, especially in urban areas. Surprisingly, woven fabrics are common along roadsides. But spiders in general Very sensitive to vibrations. Thanks to the vibration of its web, the spider knows that it has trapped prey.
Therefore, road traffic should impede these species Generating vibrations. Scientists have shown that Guru spiders seem to have adapted to this type of vibration. When they live close to a road, they will be more adept at detecting artificial prey caused by vibrations than others who live in a quieter environment.
They have an adaptability proven by their weight that remains constant in the urban environment, the researchers explained in the study. “Spiders near the busiest roads weighed no less than spiders at other sites, suggesting that they may be able to compensate for disturbance. These findings add to the accumulating evidence about this species that indicates its ability to exist in landscapes with “Human-dominated.” “Which is likely to facilitate its spread.”
Hopefully it won't develop into Europe to breed… and even if at the moment, it doesn't pose a danger to humans, except for arachnophobia.
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