Orb Weaver Spiders needed

[SarahFox]

Hello,
I've been scouring the internet trying to find a place to buy some Orb Weaver Spiders. I have a yellow and black one I have been taking care of and would like to expand my collection.
If anyone could direct me to a good place to purchase a few, or if you have some please let me know.
Especially interested in the Golden Orb Weaver, Orchid Spider (or Metallic Orb Weaver).

Any help or suggestions is appreciated!
Thank you!

 

[Denny Dee]

They generally are not available until Spring/ealry Summer so you are almost there!

 

[Denny Dee]

Found a few on Bugs in Cyberspace.

http://shop.bugsincyberspace.com/Other-Spiders_c23.htm

 

[VanessaS]

We have these all over the place in Southern Ontario...

http://shop.bugsincyberspace.com/Cross-Orbweaver-Spider-Araneus-diadematus-bic817.htm

 

[Denny Dee]

Gorgeous picture. The webs of the orb weaver are always spectacular.

 

[VanessaS]

Gorgeous picture. The webs of the orb weaver are always spectacular.

I usually go out hunting for them, for photos, at dusk. That is when they will normally break down their webs and build new ones. I love watching them do that because that is really the only time they are active. They are very easy to photograph - they just chill in their webs, or get on with doing their spidey stuff, and don't pay much attention to me.

 

[VanessaS]

I am really fond of the Bridge Orbweavers - Larinioides sclopetarius. They are also called the Grey Cross Orbweaver. Not as colourful as some of the others, but they are very darling.
Here is a little girl I caught last fall doing shadow puppets.

And another on the same bridge in the process of constructing her web...

 

[Denny Dee]

Nice! Have you ever tried to keep any in captivity?

 

[VanessaS]

Nice! Have you ever tried to keep any in captivity?

No, never. They would be far too difficult to keep in an ideal setup. Some people, who own houses, purchase a 'spider frame' to encourage them to come around. I was never successful at doing that. Now that I am back in an apartment, I stick to the non web builders.
They are pretty short lived - like the Salticidae.

 

[Underclock]

I usually go out hunting for them, for photost dusk.

Do you have any tips on finding them? Where do they like to hang out?