Research conducted at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has found that the invasive Joro spider in Georgia may carry a virus that could be used to control its population. The study, published in PeerJ, was led by Dr. James Russell and Dr. Chris Brown, both professors of biology at GGC, along with GGC alumnus Nicholas Mierza and collaborators from Clemson University and Southern Adventist College.
Dr. Russell explained, “Many arthropod species carry the Wolbachia virus, and we discovered the Joro spider is no exception. The bacterium creates reproductive barriers. If an infected male mates with an uninfected female, she becomes sterilized. If both are infected, they can reproduce, and only females can pass the bacterium along.”
The research suggests that Wolbachia could be used as a biological tool for managing pest populations. “This particular Wolbachia effect could be used to manage populations beyond the Joro spider,” Russell said. “It could help control insects such as mosquitos, which spread diseases that affect humans. This approach offers a less harmful way to address pests that pose health risks.”
Joro spiders were first identified in Georgia 11 years ago and have since spread rapidly due to their adaptability and lack of natural predators. Their webs are commonly seen throughout the state during fall, with each female capable of laying up to 500 eggs at once.
Russell also highlighted the collaborative nature of the project: “This project was a great example of collaboration. Our partners at other institutions helped us collect specimens, and our team extracted genetic material to better understand the spiders’ makeup.”
