In 2014, a giant golden spider from Asia hitchhiked into Georgia in shipping cargo: It balloons across the sky on its own silk and is now spreading up the US East Coast
The Joro spider, native to East Asia, was first identified in Georgia in 2014. This species has rapidly expanded its range across several eastern United States states. Human transportation initially introduced the spider, while natural ballooning aids its continued dispersal. Adult female Joro spiders are large and brightly colored, but generally not aggressive towards people. Researchers are studying their potential impact on native ecosystems and future range expansion.
The Joro spider, native to East Asia, was first identified in Georgia in 2014. This species has rapidly expanded its range across several eastern United States states. Human transportation initially introduced the spider, while natural ballooning aids its continued dispersal. Adult female Joro spiders are large and brightly colored, but generally not aggressive towards people. Researchers are studying their potential impact on native ecosystems and future range expansion.
