Biology of Spiders, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Spiders are distributed all over the world and have conquered all ecological environments, with perhaps the exception of the air and the open sea..." (more)
Key Phrases: single slit sensilla, ecribellate spiders, scopula hairs, After Bristowe, After Homann, After Barth (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The reader who wishes to go beyond the more general books on spiders but not become entangled in highly technical monographs will find this attractive and moderately sized volume rewarding. It is very readable for anyone with a basic understanding of biology and chemistry and, of course, the desire to learn. . . . An excellent choice for undergraduates and above."--Choice
"The biology of spiders often receives only cursory treatment in invertebrate zoology textbooks. This superb volume corrects this deficiency. It is an excellent primary textbook for an arachnology course or a supplementary one for an invertebrate zoology or entomology course. It is also a good introduction for anyone interested in this fascinating group of organisms. . . . No other general textbook on spiders exists that is as current and informative as the Biology of Spiders."--The Quarterly Review of Biology
Advance Praise: "The new edition includes so much new information that it will no doubt be bought by people who own the old edition. . .The book is written to a broad audience and thus should attract readers from all levels of education, including high schools, colleges, universities as well as the interested amateur." --Jonathan Coddington and Nikolaj Scharff, Smithsonian Institution
"The second German edition is superb. . .the update is excellent. . .I am just as enthusiastic about this edition as I am the first." --Herbert Levi, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University
"Foelix has done a fine job of adding important new references to the text and bibliography. . .The revised edition maintains the strength of the original version; this is by far the best review of spider anatomy and physiology available." --Norman Platnick, Chairman and Curator, Department of Entomology, American Museum of Natural History
"There is little doubt that this book will prove to be an invaluable resource for professionals, students, and researchers."--Y.E.S. Quarterly
"A major summary of what is known about spider biology. . .Highly recommended."--Wildlife Activist

Product Description

An enormous amount of research in spider biology in recent years has resulted in significant new insights into this diverse group of organisms. The response to this outpouring is an updated edition of this widely regarded classic. First published in 1979, this was the first textbook on spiders since 1930; the new edition contains all the information gathered since that time, including the entire world literature on spiders up to 1994. The author has completely updated and revised chapters on ecology, phylogeny and systematics to reflect current knowledge. Over 200 illustrations are included as well as an extensive reference section. The only modern textbook available on the subject, this will prove an invaluable resource for professionals, students, and researchers in zoology, entomology, ecology and physiology.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (September 26, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195095944
• ISBN-13: 978-0195095944
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #485,885 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive review of 50 year's research on arachnids, September 18, 1999

By	[e-mail] Dr. Neal Burstein (San Diego, CA. USA) - See all my reviews

This review covers concisely a half-century of research in spider anatomy, development, behavior, and the complete biological profile. It contains a great number of photographs, drawings, and electron micrographs, illustrating precisely what is known about spiders at the publication date of 1996. There is not another reference that comes close to summarizing this knowledge in one place.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on Spiders Without a Shadow of a Doubt, September 27, 1999

By A Customer

One of the few factorial books I have ever been able to read without dropping off after a couple of pages. A really great book eases you gently into the web of facts without getting snared (sorry!). If you love spiders this is your book, if you don't you may change your mind or at least gain a huge amount of admiration for the little beasties! Wonderfully written with clear diagrams and great photos I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elegant and beautiful, February 23, 1999

By A Customer

I came to this book after reading every spider field guide, "popular science" title and Internet site I could find, all of which I also found wanting. Foelix's book has all the information I wanted, presented with the calm majesty that only the very best professors can manage. It's truly a college course in itself, always challenging and never condescending.