Only orb weaver now very unusual

[cwebster]

Every dayand night, i check out our spiders outside. Only orb weaver i have seen for a month is Red. Am attaching her photo. Why are there so few orb weavers? Climate change? We live in CA and it has been extra hot. 90-115 F.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Maybe they are republicans

 

[cwebster]

Red has disappeared. Sob. 

Think i can see an orange egg near her web but havent seen her for 48 hrs. 

They just dont live long enough. 

 

[cwebster]

Just noticed that Red showed up, looking thin. Told her goodbye and that i would miss her.

 

[cwebster]

Red made a smaller but lovely web and is still here, next night! Woo hoo! How long can orb weavees live after making an egg? 

 

[cwebster]

Until two days ago, Red seemed fine but disappeared two nights ago fromher hiding place. She had stopped remaking her web. Am so afraid she has died. Hope not. It is like losing a dear friend. 

 

[cwebster]

Last night, another orb weaver appeared and seemed to be looking for Red. He (presumably) made a web right next to hers. He is smaller and brown. Sadly Red did not reappear. Do spiders locate one another by pheromones?