The Joro Spider, a hand-sized spider from Asia, is expanding its presence in the US, with sightings in at least a dozen states. The spider, which originally hails from East Asia, was spotted in Georgia in 2013 after hitching a ride on a shipping container. Since then, it has spread to 12 states, including Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and most recently, Mississippi. The species is expected to expand its range after this spring when the arachnids hatch. A study by the University of Georgia’s Odum School of Ecology found that the species is urban tolerant and adapts to life in US cities better than other animals. However, there is concern that the Joro could impact the environment by displacing native spider populations.