Debby Monfort, UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, 2025
Joro Watch 2025 marked another outstanding event for citizen science, with thousands of participants spotting, snapping photos, and submitting reports through jorowatch.org and EDDMapS. Collectively, we successfully mapped and tracked the spread of the Joro spider Trichonephila clavata across the Southeast and into further northern regions.
First identified in Georgia in 2014, the Joro spider remains a highly visible invasive species. Brightly colored, large, and most noticeable from August through October; they’ve become both a subject of fascination and ecological concern. While researchers continue to study their potential impact, public participation through events like Joro Watch provides science-backed data on where this species is established and into what new landscapes it’s spreading.
The 2025 Joro Spider Spotting Contest attracted 2,986 reporters, resulting in 3,602 verified accurate records from 112 counties and five states, and demonstrated an 835% reporting increase over the 2024 event which occurred a week after Hurricane Helene ripped through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, where much of the distribution of Joro spider occurs in the United States.
Spotting Contest Winners:
- County Champs: Braedon Shelton, Charissa Richard, and Katie Biggert
- County Hopper: Donna Bennett – reports from 11 different counties
- Super Spotter: 92 verified accurate reports
Each winner received a Joro Watch 2025 digital badge and an exclusive sticker, celebrating their outstanding contributions and accuracy in reporting.
Participants didn’t just spot and report — they also captured thousands of stunning images showcasing the Joro spider’s commanding size, distinct coloring, and yellow webs. At the heart of the photo contest was the goal of educating citizen scientists on the essential requirement of taking clear photos and adding them to reports when submitting.
Photo Contest Winners:
- 7,405 images submitted through verified reports
- Golden Lens: “Waiting Game” by Ben Ivins Media
- Silver Lens: “Adult Female Joro Spider” by Liz Esarove
- Bronze Lens: “Catching Raindrops” by Jonathan Wainright
- 10 Spotlight Mention winners for creative and standout photography
Winning photographers were invited to contribute their work to the Bugwood Image Database System, where their photos can support education, outreach, and research.
Through EDDMapS and Bugwood Images, Joro Watch participants can continue contributing year-round. Completing a Bugwood Account allows users to view their verified reports, track progress, collect badges, and, for those with photography skills, submit images.
From backyard sightings to stunning close-ups, Joro Watch 2025 showcased what happens when science meets community. Every observation strengthens our shared understanding of invasive and emerging species in the Southeast.
Explore the complete list of winners and detailed stats on the Joro Watch Contest Awards Page, and keep reporting invasive species sightings year-round.