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2 clusters · 3 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Joro spider expansion in the United States

Overview

The invasive Joro spider, native to East Asia, is expanding its presence across the Southeast United States. First documented in Georgia in 2014, the species has since been reported in more than a dozen states. Researchers at the University of Tennessee are currently mapping the spread, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park has issued warnings to visitors.

A study from the University of Georgia has investigated the impact of these spiders on local ecosystems. By analyzing the stomach contents of Joro spiders and native orb weavers across Georgia and South Carolina, researchers found that the invasive species may not be outcompeting native spiders for food. The study noted that Joro spiders prey on a wider variety of insects, including 26 species that native spiders do not eat, and that native spider diets remained consistent despite the presence of the Joro spider.

Entities

Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Georgia · Jason Schmidt · South Carolina · University of Georgia

Timeline

  1. 15 days ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    University of Georgia study finds Joro spiders do not outcompete native species

    A University of Georgia study suggests invasive Joro spiders in Georgia and South Carolina do not significantly compete with native orb weavers for food, as they consume a wider variety of insects.

  2. 23 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Joro spiders expand presence across Southeast United States

    Invasive Joro spiders are spreading across the Southeast U.S., including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Researchers are seeking public reports to help map the species' expansion.

Sources

fox5atlanta.com · news.uga.edu · newswise.com