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Mic Droplet: Invasion Of The Joro Spiders!
Description
Ecologically, it's always problematic when a species ends up in a place it doesn't belong. Lately, plenty of people in the Southeast are experiencing an added "ick" factor after coming face-to-web with an especially creepy invasive species, the Joro Spider.
This large, colorful species is native to Southeast Asia, but for the last 10 years or so, it has been quietly reproducing rampantly and spreading through the American Southeast. Public awareness of this arachnid invasion hit fever pitch recently thanks to the appearance of Joro Spiders in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The species is now on the park's official "Most Wanted" list.
In this episode, the Aquarium's senior entomologist discusses how Joros made their way to the States, what risk they pose to native ecosystems and why we're seeing so many of them in our neck of the woods.
The National Parks Service has recommended the public document sightings of Joros as they encounter them through the app iNaturalist. This free app is available for iOS and Android devices and is a fun way to keep track of all the animals and plants you encounter, invasive or otherwise:
Episode Cast
- Casey Phillips, host/senior communications specialist/Joro web survivor
- Rose Segbers, senior entomologist