Charlotte Residents Report First Sightings of Invasive Giant Flying Joro Spiders

A giant, flying, invasive spider from SouthEast Asia has now been spotted in the Charlotte region, scientists confirm.

The Joro spider, known scientifically as Trichonephila clavata, originated in East Asia and arrived in the U.S. during the 2010s. It first took hold in Georgia and was first sighted in Western North Carolina a few years ago.

Researchers say the Joro spider’s survival abilities could allow it to thrive even beyond the southeastern United States. A recent study comparing it to the golden silk spider found that the Joro’s metabolism and heart rate are much higher, helping it withstand colder climates.

Data from iNaturalist.org show that Joro spiders complete their lifecycle quickly, surviving brief freezes with a 74% success rate.

Dr. Matt Bertone with NC State University