If you’ve ever blasted down a trail in the Southeast and found yourself tangled in a massive web, congratulations—you’ve just met your Joro Spider trail buddy! These bright, web-spinning miscreants have become a common sight for eMTB riders in the Southeast, stretching their impressive webs across our favorite trails, usually around face-height. But who are these unexpected riding companions, where did they come from, and should we be worried? Let’s dive into the world of Joro Spiders and their reluctant role in the eMTB experience.
What Do Joro Spiders Look Like on the Trail?
If you have read my article, Top 5 Trail Hazards Encountered While E-Mountain Biking in the Southeast, you will know that I give Spiders disproportionate amount of thought. As I write this, I am in that magical time (it’s called February) where the trails are mostly clear, and the riding is carefree. That’s going to change in a few weeks. Here is what to look for, beginning in the Spring…
If you’re lucky enough to spot one before becoming enveloped in its web, Joro Spiders (Trichonephila clavata) are easy to recognize. The females sport striking yellow and blue-striped abdomens, with bold red markings near their underside. Their long black legs have distinct yellow bands, making them look both beautiful and mildly terrifying. The males, on the other hand, are much smaller and brown, rarely the culprits behind those face-full-of-web moments.
Their silk webs are enormous, often spanning multiple feet across open spaces—like, say, the exact spot where your handlebars want to go. I can attest that morning riders are especially vulnerable to getting caught up, as these industrious little architects work their magic overnight.
How Did Joro Spiders End Up in the Southeast?
Joro Spiders are not native to North America. They hail from East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China. Scientists believe they hitched a ride to the U.S. in the early 2010s, likely as stowaways in shipping containers. Their first known American home was in Georgia, and looking at their current distribution, it was likely they landed at Hartsfield Jackson Airport and decided to skip immigration and customs. Since then, they’ve spread rapidly across the Southeast, including South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Check out a map of their current territory here.
Unlike some invasive species that struggle with colder climates, Joro Spiders have a secret weapon: they can survive freezing temperatures by slowing their metabolism. This means they’re not just here for the summer—they’re here to stay.
An eMTB Rider’s Nightmare or Just Another Trail Feature?
Joro Spiders love open, sunny spaces—which, unfortunately, includes our beloved bike trails. They build their large, intricate webs across gaps in vegetation, making them perfect for catching insects (and unsuspecting mountain bikers). Unlike some other spiders that retreat when disturbed, Joros often hold their ground, calmly waiting for their next meal to blunder in.
That being said, they aren’t aggressive. They don’t chase riders down the trail, and their bite is mild—less painful than a bee sting and not medically significant unless you have an allergy. In fact, these spiders might even be doing us a favor by helping control mosquito and fly populations.
What to do if you find yourself Joro-positive? Do not panic! GENTLY brush them towards the ground or towards your hand, where you can drop them off on a nearby bush. If you slap at them, you will likely get a defensive bite for your efforts. Sometimes they can get tangled in their own webs on you. In this case, grab a stick and gently slide it under the web. If you are a good soul, you will lay the stick down, off trail, and try to help your Joro Spider trail buddy out of her web.
Should We Worry About Joro Spiders?
In short, no—at least, not beyond the occasional mid-ride freakout. While their webs are annoying (and have probably resulted in a few impromptu swats and flailing exits from the saddle), Joro Spiders aren’t dangerous to humans. They don’t carry venom harmful to us, and they actually help keep pest populations in check.
However, if you’d rather not have an eight-legged hitchhiker join your ride, consider carrying a light stick to wave in front of you on early morning or late evening rides. It’s an awkward but simple trick to break webs before they break your flow. OR, guys, if riding in mixed company, you can always go with the gentlemanly “ladies first” rule! 😈
Final Thoughts: Living With Our New Trail Buddies
Joro Spiders are here to stay, and while they might be the unexpected obstacle on your favorite eMTB route, they’re also a fascinating part of our local ecosystem. So next time you see a massive ,shimmering web stretching across your path, take a moment to admire the artistry. And if you do have the misfortune of running through a web, stay cool. Remember your “friend” has his phone and you don’t want to wind up going viral on YouTube with your Joro Spider trail buddy!
Do you have a Joro Spider story? Send me an email and tell me about it, I love hearing from my readers!