ATHENS, Ga. — Invasive Joro spiders do not compete with native spiders for food in the Southeast, according to a new study from the University of Georgia.
Previous research suggested the invasive species could harm local orb weaver populations already facing threats from insecticide and pesticide use.
However, researchers found that native spider species maintained the same diet regardless of whether Joros were present in the area.
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UGA researchers analyzed DNA fragments in the digestive tracts of more than 200 Joro spiders collected from 33 sites across Southeastern states.
They compared those findings to stomach content analyses from more than 140 native orb weavers across two states.
While both species share some prey, their overall diets differed significantly.
The study found Joros preyed on 26 unique insect species that native spiders did not consume, including leafhoppers and aphids.
Though Joro spiders build large webs that take up physical space, researchers noted they pose no threat to humans or pets.
The spiders have timid personalities and are more likely to flee than bite.
Jason Schmidt, a co-author of the study and professor of entomology in UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, explained that attempting to eradicate the spiders could harm local ecosystems.
“In terms of direct competition for food, our study suggests Joro spiders eat different insects and a wider variety as compared to native orb weavers,” Schmidt said. “In trying to kill the spiders, other beneficial insects feeding on pests in our yards will be impacted and you’ll increase the likelihood of having a bunch of really difficult pests show up because you killed off some of the good guys out there.”
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