GATLINBURG, Tenn. - An invasive species of arachnid, known as the Joro spider, is spinning webs far from its native range, and now the National Park Service says it needs the public's help in tracking its expansion.

Rangers report that the species has recently been spotted in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and there are no clear indications as to how far its presence now stretches along the Eastern Seaboard.

Originally from East Asia , the Joro spider was first detected in Georgia around 2013, and since then, it has been observed in most southern states.

Entomologists say that the Joro spider is fairly recognizable due to its large, colorful yellow abdomen with blue stripes, its black-and-yellow banded legs and the distinctive golden-hued web.

NEARLY 300 QUEEN CONCHS FOUND AF

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