The Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) in the southeastern US: an opportunity for research and a call for reasonable journalism

Trichonephila clavata, also known as the Joro spider, was first discovered in Georgia, USA in 2014. Its arrival from Asia and subsequent range expansion across the southeastern U.S. has received much media coverage, spanning from factual to sensational. Here, we describe T. clavata's invasion potential and known invasive range, and review its biology, dispersal abilities, potential impacts, and management strategies. As of October 2022, T. clavata's range spans at least 120,000 km(2), occurring across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, with additional reports in Alabama, Maryland, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Its pattern of spread suggests it is primarily driven by natural dispersal mechanisms, such as ballooning, though human-mediated transport cannot be discounted. Like other large-bodied orb-weavers, T. clavata captures and feeds on flying insects and potentially other small animals, and we suggest thirteen co-occurring spider species that should be monitored for competition with T. clavata for resources and web-building sites. Since T. clavata is spreading across both natural and urban habitats, management options are limited. Overall, very little is known about this species in its new North American range, especially its impacts within this novel ecosystem. Thus, we advise journalists and experts alike against exaggerating its potential environmental impact or uncritical acceptance of the spider as ecologically harmless. Instead, T. clavata's rapid spread should be carefully monitored, and we should take a cautious, evidence-based approach when determining next steps.