Joro spiders are heading up the coast
UC biologist says these garden spiders want to stay in the garden
Everyday Health turned to a University of Cincinnati biologist to learn more about an invasive spider from Asia that is showing up in more American back yards.
The Joro spider is a large, yellow orb-weaving spider from Japan that is slowly creeping across the American Southeast toward the Mid-Atlantic.
UC Professor Emeritus George Uetz. Photo/Lisa Ventre/UC
Female spiders grow to more than 3 inches in length. They build equally enormous webs spanning more than 10 feet to catch flying insects, which makes it hard for them to go unnoticed in gardens and back yards. But they are harmless and don't bite people, said George Uetz, a professor emeritus in UC's College of Arts and Sciences.
“They are very sedentary in their webs,” he told Everyday Health.
Uetz spent his career studying the fascinating behavior of spiders and other animals in his biology lab. He was named a fellow this year of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences.
If disturbed, the spider freezes in place for as long as an hour.
“Approach them from a distance, observe them, and you will see they are no threat, as they stay in their web,” Uetz said.
Read the Everyday Health story.
Featured image at top: Joro spiders are showing up in more states. Photo/David Hansche
Related Stories
Local couple uses royalties from children's books to give gifts to kids in need
December 15, 2025
A local couple has found a unique way to give back to those in need this holiday season. Vic and Laura Troha wrote two children's books together, and this year, they are using the proceeds to buy Christmas gifts for Hamilton County foster kids. The couple are both graduates of the University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences and met the day they graduated.
The hottest toys this holiday season
December 15, 2025
Local 12 turned to Lindner College of Business associate professor-educator of marketing Roseann Hassey to explain what’s got the trendiest items flying off the shelves.
Fall grads celebrate their success at commencement
December 12, 2025
The University of Cincinnati recognized more than 2,600 graduates at its fall commencement.