Tarantula Keeper's Guide, The [Paperback]

Stanley A. Schultz (Author), Marguerite J. Schultz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

Here is the definitive word on tarantulas for collectors of exotic pets, and for life science students specializing in arachnids (spiders and their relatives). The book opens with a detailed description of the tarantula's origins, anatomy, and physiology. Comprehensive information on care, housing, and feeding is provided for all who want to keep one or more tarantulas as pets or for scientific research. And for those who prefer to do it themselves, there is even advice on where and how to capture a tarantula in the wild! Extensive tables classify tarantulas according to classes, orders, families, and subfamilies. Still another table outlines measures one should take in the event of a tarantula bite--though in many cases a bite is little more than a passing annoyance. Dozens of color photos and scientifically accurate drawings illustrate virtually everything the reader needs to know about these exotic creatures.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For the keen enthusiast there is one book that is regarded world wide as the bible of tarantula keeping and that book is The Tarantula Keeper's Guide…The book is in reality a keeper's manual as well as being a very enjoyable read for the enthusiast. It will immediately become your first port of call for reference purposes. It is suitable for beginner through to advanced enthusiasts…I cannot recommend this book too highly. Every tarantula keeper should have a copy in their library. If you only buy one book on tarantulas this should be that book. Run, don't walk to your computer and order a copy now."


Charles Senescall
Australian Invertebrates Forum --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

(back cover)
Authors Stanley and Marguerite Schultz tell exotic pet hobbyists and life science students everything they need to know about keeping a tarantula in captivity. They present detailed information on the natural history and biology of these fascinating creatures, supplementing their text with a wealth of photos and illustrations. The detailed chapter on the care of tarantulas has been revised and updated, making it more comprehensive than ever. Since this book's initial publication, hobbyists have come to consider The Tarantula Keeper's Guide the "Bible of Arachnoculture."



--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 2 edition (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764100769
• ISBN-13: 978-0764100765
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #218,540 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Insects & Spiders

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most in-depth and detailed book on tarantulas to date!!, August 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Tarantula Keeper's Guide, The (Paperback)

The Tarantula Keeper's Guide by Stan and Marguerite Schultz is by far the most informative book on tarantulas to date. Whether for the amateur fancier or professional arachnologist, this book will pay for itself in no time at all. Aimed primarily towards those interested in captive husbandry of arachnids, this book gives extensive information on care, housing, and feeding for spiderlings, juveniles, sub-adults and adults. In chapter 1, the anatomy and physiology of tarantulas are covered in great detail. Chapter 2 deals with taxonomy and scientific names; chapter 3 covers the life histories and ecology of these arachnids. Chapter 4 involves the uses of tarantulas throughout history while chapters 5,6, and 7 cover the "pet" aspect of tarantulas; this covers such subjects as housing, feeding, handling, breeding, medical emergencies, and much, much more. The final three chapters cover conservation issues. This well-designed book is packed with tons of colo! r photographs, greatly illustrated drawings, and accurate (up-to-date) names of many species commonly kept as pets. Unlike other tarantula books I've read--and I've read plenty--this book gives the first detailed description of how to catch your own tarantula. Other books have attempted this same task, but have not got the point across like this book. In all, this 288 page piece of art is the best book on tarantulas ever put together. Anybody with the slightest interest should purchase this book because it will spur one with mere curiosity into an out-of-control collector/hobbyist (such as me) and take you to the realm of the tarantula.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for the tarantula hobbyist, February 5, 2000

By 

Scott (Fresno, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tarantula Keeper's Guide, The (Paperback)

This book is excellent from cover to cover. Detailed information on care, breeding, food, species, and biology are all in "The Tarantula Keeper's Guide". I was given a Chilean Rose tarantula as a gift 9 months ago and considered myself ignorant of their required care. "The Tarantula Keeper's Guide" was the most informative book out of 6 purchased. I now have over 35 tarantulas consisting of 28 species and consider myself much more knowledgable about their care and biology. I have even started breeding some of my tarantulas. You won't find a better book in print if you're a beginner or expert.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, August 16, 2000

By 

Jacob Payne (Magnolia, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tarantula Keeper's Guide, The (Paperback)

I was new to tarantulas when I bought my first chilean rose hair, so I got online to search for some info on how to take care of my tarantula. What I found was a jumbled mess of confusion! I did not know what to do! So one day on a trip we stoped a B&N to look around and thats when I saw it, the book of my dreams! I read the book from cover to cover over and over again and again, it made everything so clear and now I understand all I need to know about tarantulas. Thanx SAS and MJS!