Joro Spiders: All about the spider species that is spreading across U.S.

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Joro spiders are spinning their web across the United States and have made Georgia their home. Joro spiders, native to East Asia, are notable for their vibrant appearance and sizable webs. These arachnids weave golden-hued webs that can be found on various structures, including trees and bushes. Although Joro spiders may appear intimidating due to their large size and intricate webs, they pose no significant danger to humans. Their bites are generally no worse than bee stings and are not fatal. The Joro spider, scientifically known as Trichonephila clavata, belongs to the Trichonephila genus along with other large orb-weaver spiders like the golden silk spider. Its species name, clavata, signifies its «club-shaped» abdomen. Unfortunately, Joro spiders have become an invasive species in the United States. They were initially discovered in Georgia in 2013 and have since spread to other southeastern states. It is believed that these spiders arrived in the US through shipping containers from Asia. While Joro spiders do not have detrimental effects on the environment, their abundance and webs can be visually displeasing to some individuals.

Female Joro spiders can reach a length of up to 3 inches, while males are approximately half that size. As orb weavers, they construct expansive circular webs that can span up to 3 feet in diameter. Joro spiders are attracted to light sources and often establish their webs near porch lights and other illuminated areas. These spiders are active during both day and night, preying on insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and moths. Efforts to control the spread of Joro spiders have proven challenging, as complete