Palm-Sized East Asian Spider Species Invades Areas of Northern Georgia

The population of invasive Joro spiders, a species native to East Asia, has skyrocketed in northern Georgia, according to reports.

Millions of the bright yellow, palm sized spiders have cast their webs in “roughly 25 counties” of the state, the University of Georgia reported, since the Joro species was first seen in the area in 2014.

“UGA scientists have not noticed any negative effects on any native species, which was one concern,” wrote the University. “The only negative effect concerning the spiders seems to be the nuisance caused by their extreme numbers this year.”

This video taken by Jade Edwards in Cummings, Georgia, shows thick spider webs strung between power lines. Credit: Jade Edwards via Storyful