Are Joro spiders really invasive? Do they fly? Are they dangerous to people?
In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, Rebekah Wallace, program coordinator at the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, separates fact from fiction about Georgia’s most talked-about spider.
Wallace explains how Joro spiders spread, what researchers are learning about their impacts on native ecosystems, and why many of the viral claims surrounding these brightly colored arachnids are exaggerated. She also shares practical tips for identifying Joro spiders and understanding their role in the environment.
Listen to the episode to learn the truth about Joro spiders, their growing presence across the Southeast and what science says about the myths making headlines.
