Summary
Both genera build large golden orb webs and have leg spans approaching 4 inches. Joros are yellow-and-blue with a red underside; golden silks are yellow with brown leg tufts.
Diagnostic traits
| Trait | Joro Spider | Golden Silk Orb Weaver |
|---|---|---|
| Body color | Bright yellow with blue-gray bands | Silvery yellow body, brown legs |
| Leg banding | Yellow and black | Solid brown with tufts at joints |
| Range | Southeastern U.S. (invasive since 2014) | Southern U.S., Caribbean (native) |
| Season | Aug–Nov | May–Nov |
The bottom line
At-a-glance comparison
| Joro Spider | Golden Silk Orb Weaver | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific | Trichonephila clavata | Trichonephila clavipes |
| Family | Araneidae | Araneidae |
| ♀ body | 17–25 mm | 22–40 mm |
| Leg span | 60–100 mm | 75–120 mm |
| Range | 8 U.S. states | 8 U.S. states |
| Medical | Not medically significant | Low |