What to do if you see a giant, invasive spider popping up in multiple states
Summary
The Joro spider, an invasive species from East Asia, has been seen in multiple U.S. states, mainly in the Southeast. Researchers say the spider is not harmful to people and plays a role in controlling pests.Key Facts
- The Joro spider was first found in Georgia in 2014 and has spread to over a dozen states.
- Adult female spiders are about 1 inch long with colorful yellow, blue-green, and black markings; males are smaller and brown.
- Young spiders can travel long distances by releasing silk that catches the wind, a process called ballooning.
- Sightings have recently been reported in Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Alabama.
- Visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park are encouraged to take pictures and report sightings but not to disturb the spiders.
- It is illegal to disturb wildlife in national parks, and disturbing spiders might harm native spider species.
- A study found Joro spiders rarely bite humans, and bites cause only mild, short-lasting symptoms.
- The spiders do not harm crops or trees and may help control pest insects.
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