PHOTOS: These invasive species have all made their way into Georgia the last few years
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Joro spiders Joro spiders have spread through parts of the Southeast. Not only are the spiders colorful, but they have a novel way of flying in. The Joro spider is known to travel by weaving parachutes out of silk and flying along the wind, in a process known as ballooning. The Joro spider can grow as large as three inches, or about the size of a human hand, and as an orb-weaver, creates large webs, sometimes up to three feet wide.
Flathead catfish Native to Gulf drainages, including the Coosa River watershed in northwest GA, flathead catfish have been introduced into other waters of Georgia. This apex predator can exceed 100 lb, attaining such sizes by preying on a plethora of native fish species. In the Satilla River, GADNR staff started removing non-native flathead and blue catfish to reverse their detrimental effects on prized redbreast sunfish and other native fish species.
Argentine black and white tegu The Argentine black and white tegu is a South American reptile popular in the pet trade. Yet through escapes and releases, these lizards that can reach 4 feet long have established populations in the wild in Florida and one in southeast Georgia, Georgia DNR says. (PHOTO: Georgia DNR)
Zebra mussels Zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species can cause millions of dollars in damage to boats and water intake pipes, while undermining native mussels and other aquatic species. They were recently found on a boat in Lake Lanier.
Hammerhead flatworm Hammerhead worms were introduced into the U.S. in the early 1900s and have likely been in Georgia for several decades. The concern that many have with hammerhead worms is that they feed on earthworms. However, most earthworms in Georgia are introduced species as well. Because hammerhead worms feed on invasive earthworms such as jumping worms, some believe they should be left alone.
Yellow-legged hornet A cousin of the “murder hornet”, the yellow-legged hornet, targets honey bees and other important pollinators. While not very aggressive and a threat to sting you like the common yellow jacket, the threat is when it comes to crops and ultimately the food we eat and the prices we pay.
Blue land crabs The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says there have been sightings of the large, non-native Blue land crab along the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. (PHOTO: Georgia DNR)
Cuban tree frogs Cuban tree frogs, typically the adult females, can grow up to 5.5 inches long. Males are typically smaller. The younger frogs are generally about 2 inches long, similar to other tree frogs. (PHOTO: University of Florida)
