An invasive parachute spider could cover the entire east coast, according to a study

(QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The “Joro spider,” an invasive spider native to East Asia, could soon spread across the entire East Coast, according to research University of Georgia.

Researchers said the yellow, blue-black, and red spiders, which are about the size of a human palm, arrived in the US around 2013 and have been spreading their golden webs across the Southeast ever since.

The researchers compared the species to a close relative, the “golden silk spider,” which has not spread beyond the Southeast in the last 160 years.

Joro spiders may not be so caged, found the study. Research has shown that Joro spiders can survive a short freeze better than their cousins.

The data suggests it can survive in colder climates beyond the southeastern states.

Scientists said the spiders appear to have no impact on local food webs or ecosystems and they are not dangerous to humans other than a possible allergic reaction.

Researchers said that Joros can use their silk to carry them with the wind in what they called “ballooning,” which allows them to parachute to new places.

They could also hitchhike people or shipping containers, scientists said.

If you live on the east coast, be on the lookout for new neighbors flying to a city near you.