A Guide to Spiders of Australia

For the first time, the new edition of this popular book – the leading title on the market covering this subject – includes a comprehensive index, adding to its user-friendliness. Few animals rival spiders in their diversity of forms and colour, ecological abundance and importance, and complexity of behaviours. They inspire awe among naturalists and at the same time are feared by many. Australia and its island territories harbour an estimated 8,500 species in 850 genera and 79 families; however, only about 3,500 species in about 650 genera are currently described. ‘A Guide to the Spiders of Australia’ is the first comprehensive guide to Australian spiders to cover all 79 families that occur in this country. Almost 400 colour photos of live spiders and about 50 images of their webs are complemented by 50 microscopic shots taken in the laboratory to illustrate the very smallest of spiders. A number of scientific drawings clarify particular features of spiders. The sturdy plastic cover makes this book ideal for use in the field, both for scientists and amateur enthusiasts