June 10, 2016

Jorogumo, or the Joro Spider, is a member of the golden orb-web spider group who are noted for the impressive webs they weave. Due to its large size as well as the bright, unique colors of the species of the female, this spider is well-favored in Japan.

On the other hand, a Jorogumo is also a type of Yokai, a creature, ghost or goblin of Japanese folklore. According to some stories, a Jorogumo is a spider that can change its appearance into that of a seductive woman.

The Edo period legend has it that a beautiful woman would entice a man into a quiet shack and begin to play a biwa, a type of Japanese lute. While the victim would be distracted by the sound of the instrument, she binds her victim in spider silk threads in order to devour the unsuspecting person as her next meal.