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Invasive Joro Spider Creeps Into Middle Tennessee: Colorful, Creepy, and (Mostly) Harmless

Issue #596

October 27, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 61, low of 48

📰 Invasive Joro Spider Creeps Into Middle Tennessee: Colorful, Creepy, and (Mostly) Harmless

🎤 Two Free Concerts at The Mulehouse This Week

🗓 List of Upcoming Events
 
🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Read Last Week’s Local Business Spotlight! 👇
From Army Boots to Circuit Breakers: The Story Behind Mr. Electric of Columbia 

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Invasive Joro Spider Creeps Into Middle Tennessee: Colorful, Creepy, and (Mostly) Harmless

The brightly colored Joro spider has been making headlines across the South — and now, it’s turning up in more parts of Middle Tennessee. First introduced to the U.S. from East Asia, the palm-sized spider was initially seen in Georgia around 2013 and has since spread through much of the Southeast, with confirmed sightings in several Tennessee counties including Maury, Smith, Fentress, Grundy, and White.

Researchers say the species tends to establish slowly — a few here and there at first — before suddenly becoming widespread.

Despite their striking size and bold patterns of yellow, silver, and black, two recent studies published in the Journal of Medical Entomology suggest the Joro spider is far less threatening than it looks. Researchers found that the spiders rarely bite and behave non-aggressively, preferring to retreat when disturbed. When a bite does occur, the symptoms are mild — similar to a mosquito or bee sting — and the venom poses no danger to humans or pets. Some people experience no reaction at all.

Scientists are also exploring ways to manage the spider’s growing population. One study found that even common household products, such as dish soap or machine lubricant, were just as effective as commercial pesticides in removing them. However, because the Joro spider currently has few natural predators in the U.S., researchers note that reinfestations may occur as more spiders move into cleared areas.

The species, known scientifically as Trichonephila clavata, is native to Japan, China, and Korea. It gets its name from the Japanese folklore of the Jorōgumo — a mythical creature that transforms from a woman into a spider to ensnare her prey.

Female Joro spiders can span six to eight inches across with legs outstretched, while males remain much smaller. The arachnids weave large, golden orb-shaped webs and feed primarily on insects, sometimes competing with native spiders and birds for food.

Although the Joro spider cannot fly, it travels using a process known as “ballooning,” releasing silk threads that allow it to drift through the air on wind currents — one reason it’s been able to spread so quickly across the Southeast.

Researchers from Tennessee State University and Southern Adventist University are continuing to study the Joro’s movement, population growth, and potential impact on local ecosystems. While much remains unknown, one thing is clear: the Joro spider is here to stay — and for now, it’s more of a curiosity than a cause for concern.

Two Free Concerts at The Mulehouse This Week

Enjoy two free concerts at The Mulehouse this week.

These are Gaither Music Live Concert Video Tapings

• Tues, October 28th – Joseph Habedank at 7 PM

• Weds, October 29th – Wilson Fairchild at 7 PM

Both are FREE shows. 

RSVP via email here: [email protected]. First come, first served. Confirmed names will be at will call. Tickets will NOT be emailed. Must show an ID upon entry to the venue.

Doors will open at 6 PM
Show will start promptly at 7 PM

All seating is General Admission and FREE. Spread the word and we'll see y'all there!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Monday, October 27th

Tuesday, October 28th

Wednesday, October 29th

Thursday, October 30th

Friday, October 31st

Saturday, November 1st ⏰ SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR TONIGHT!

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, October 28th

Austin Gray – Rebel Bar & Grill, 5:30–7:30 PM
Joseph Hadebank - The Mulehouse - Free Concert, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 29th

Wilson Fairchild - The Mulehouse - Free Concert, 7:00 PM

Thursday, October 30th

Todd Ciprian – Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Maury County Community Band – EA Cox Middle School, 6:30 PM
Jordan Priest – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, October 31st

Brendan Gentry – Buck & Board, 5–8 PM
The Smithstons – Twisted Copper Brewing Co., 7 PM
South Bound Crows – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, November 1st

Halloween Karaoke – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 6–10 PM
Fall Series – The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Ryan Stevenson – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
MFT – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

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