Invasive Joro Spiders Continue to Spread Across Southeastern U.S., Researchers Advise Against Disturbing Them
Large, invasive Joro spiders, native to East Asia, are once again spreading across several states in the southeastern U.S., including Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Alabama. First spotted in Georgia in 2014, these spiders are characterized by their yellow bodies with bluish-green stripes and black and yellow legs, with adult females reaching up to 1 inch in body length and a 4-inch leg span. Despite their intimidating appearance and ability to create massive webs up to 10 feet in diameter, researchers emphasize that Joro spiders are largely harmless to humans and are unlikely to bite unless forcibly restrained. Only young spiders are capable of "ballooning," a method of long-distance travel using silk caught by the wind. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has asked visitors to report sightings through the iNaturalist app or email, but specifically advises against disturbing the spiders, citing both park regulations and ongoing research needs. 
