Joro Watch is a monitoring program to collect data and better understand the current spread and distribution of Joro spiders. 

2026 Joro Spider Spotting & Photo Contest

Win fame and glory (plus exclusive stickers!) by helping us find how Joros are spreading this season. Kick off the 5th annual Joro Spider Spotting & Photo Contest by reporting Joro spiders on this website, on eddmaps.org, or via the EDDMapS app

Mark Your Calendar - Joro Watch 2026

Mark your calendar for the 5th Annual Joro Spider Spotting Contest set for Monday, October 12, 12:00 a.m. – Sunday, October 18, 11:59 p.m. ET. Only reports entered into our database during this time will be counted for the contest. 

Monday, Oct 12, 12:00 a.m. – Sunday, Oct 18, 11:59 p.m. ET

Only reports submitted to our database during this time will be eligible for either contest.

Spotting Contest Rules

All verified reports will be entered into the spotting contest. Each report must include a clear, well-focused photo of the spider for identification.

Photo Contest Criteria

Photos attached to verified reports are eligible for the photo contest. The spider must be clearly identifiable and photos must meet all contest photo requirements.

2026 Joro spider reports by county

Current map indicating Joro spider reports made during 2026, based on data submitted by researchers and the public. Help us expand this data by reporting Joro sightings near you. 

Please cite the EDDMapS as:

EDDMapS. 2026. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org/; last accessed .

Joro spider distribution

This map shows the known range of Joro spider, based on data submitted by researchers and the public. Help us expand this data by reporting Joro sightings near you. 

Please cite the EDDMapS as:

EDDMapS. 2026. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org/; last accessed .

Partners

These resources are made possible through the partnership of the following institutions: