David Nelsen, Ph.D.
The proliferate Jorō spider, an East Asian species that is currently spreading rapidly in southeast regions of the United States, is the elusive subject of a research team that includes David Nelsen, Ph.D., biology professor at Southern Adventist University. These researchers are appealing to communities in Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina to be on the lookout to report any sightings.
“More eyes in the field will contribute immensely to our research efforts and results,” said Nelsen. “Anybody can be a scientist in this case, and photographs can give us strong data for tracking and measuring this ongoing invasion.”
In 2021, there were four sightings of the yellow, red, and silver-blue arachnid in the Chattanooga area, including one on Southern’s campus. Last year, sightings increased to approximately 20, along with the presence of males, which suggests a stable breeding population.
Nelsen has involved Southern’s ecology students in the research by incorporating the project into labs and educational outreach. For example, students taught several young outdoor adventure groups about spiders and included the local impact of the Jorō on the community.
“Research brings what the students are studying to life,” said Nelsen. “This work helps them answer the questions: ‘How do I take what I’m doing as a biologist and give back to the community? How do I get people excited about the wonders of God’s creation?’”
The project will continue for several more years in order to determine whether or not the arachnid newcomer is harming native species. Nelsen invites those who spot what appears to be a Jorō spider to be part of the research by emailing a photo to him at dnelsen@southern.edu.
Southern Adventist University | June 2023
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