The 5th Annual Joro Spider Spotting Contest takes place October 12–18, 2026.

Participants can report Joro spider sightings through JoroWatch.org, EDDMapS.org, or the free EDDMapS mobile app. Submitted reports with clear photos help experts verify sightings and support ongoing tracking efforts.

Now in its fifth year, Joro Watch continues to demonstrate the power of citizen science. Since 2022, citizen scientists have helped monitor the spread of the non-native Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata). First detected in Georgia in 2014, the species has continued expanding its range, and public reporting remains one of the best tools for understanding where it is found.

Every report helps researchers build a clearer picture of Joro spider distribution and movement across the landscape.