Joro spiders invade the Upstate, impacting native species

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. —

If you have been on edge dodging spider webs around your home, you are not the only one. The Upstate is reporting increased sightings of the Joro spider, an invasive species native to East Asia.

Female Joro spiders can be identified by unique yellow markings, including yellow and black striped legs, large, speckled bodies, and pink markings on the underbelly. The males are small brown spiders, and typically several of them will surround the female in the web.

Joro spider webs can be distinguished by their strong strands and golden color, something native species lack in their webs.

A common misconception is that Joro spiders can fly. This is called ballooning, which Coyle said is when eggs hatch, and a group of the babies crawl up something tall, release a stran