Where can I get some Delena cancerides ( social huntsman spiders)

[JAFUENTES]

This is a species native to Australia that are very social amongst related individuals. They get to a decent size and seem like they breed at a rapid rate by what I've seen. However I can't find any for sale. Anyone know where I could get some? They're a species I've been looking intensely for.

 

[Smokehound714]

Those are only social to an extent. The instant the brood is disturbed, the parental bond is broken and they disperse.

Also, they're illegal to possess, due to australian flora and fauna being extremely illegal to export.

 

[JAFUENTES]

Oh. That's good to know. I guess the more you know. Thanks for informing me.

 

[JAFUENTES]

But what if some at a university has a few extra from a study there doing. Would it still be illegal to possess one.

 

[pannaking22]

Technically, I think they would still be illegal to own unless you're affiliated with the university. Though I could be wrong.

 

[JAFUENTES]

I can try and see what I come up with. I'll let you know what happens.

 

[Exuviae]

I can't answer your question in complete confidence, but I've met Linda Rayor, who works with Delena cancerides at Cornell University, and volunteered to clean her lab a couple of times (currently trying to get a job there!), and it seems like they're pretty strict about keeping the spiders contained and monitored (in other words, making sure they don't get out of the room!). I know she had to actually go to Australia with a permit to obtain her starting specimens, so I'm not sure what all you'd have to do to acquire some. I can't speak for other universities/researchers, but based on what I've seen, I also kind of doubt she would want to sell any, but I could be wrong.

 

[JAFUENTES]

By chance if you've are willing, if not I understand 100% could you toss the question to her as to would she be willing to sell. There's a website called the green scorpion, however I believe it's based in Australia so with the illegal trade and all I got no options. Also would you have her email by chance? I'm a student who wants to get into the field of arachnocology with an emphasis in mygalomorphs and possible medical advancements with there venom?

 

[Exuviae]

If the opportunity presents itself, I could ask her, but I'm not really sure how to ask her that tactfully, at the moment. I'm in the same position, sort of. Cornell doesn't have an "arachnology" major per se, probably because it's not popular enough (out of the 20 or so entomology majors I know, I'm the only one who wants to study spiders, and many of them are actually afraid of arachnids ), but if you study entomology, you can kind of specialize in whatever smaller field you want. I know spiders aren't insects, but we kind of include them in the broad "bug" category here. I'll PM you.