The joro spider is native to Asia, including China, India, Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. They were introduced to the southeastern United States in the 2010s and are considered an invasive species.
As of 2026, joro spiders have established populations in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In previous years they have also been sighted in Oklahoma, Maryland, Illinois, California, and West Virginia, though these likely indicate individual introductions by humans. For the latest maps, or to report a sighting, please refer to the University of Georgia’s Joro Watch website.