"This new guide to the spiders of New Zealand introduces over 90 species, focusing on the more commonplace introduced spiders but also featuring some of our rare native species. It gives details on their taxonomy, geographical origins, range and preferred habitat, plus special notes on behaviour, life cycle or diet"--Publisher information.

Spiders are found everywhere in New Zealand, from bathroom to bush, beach and beyond, and although many people find them distasteful, they are valuable predators of pests and fascinating components of any ecosystem. A Photographic Guide to Spiders of New Zealand introduces over 90 species, focusing on the more commonplace introduced spiders but also featuring some of our rare native species. It gives details on their taxonomy, geographical origins, range and preferred habitat, plus special notes on behaviour, life cycle or diet. A handful of our spiders are well known - the katipo for its feared bite, the elusive Nelson cave spider for its great size - but few have been much studied until recently. Respected arachnologist Cor Vink brings his scholarship and expertise to the text, while Bryce McQuillan's photography presents the spiders with extraordinary clarity and detail, making this an essential purchase for anyone with an interest in our eight-legged neighbours.

This full-colour book/pocket guide aims to be the beginner's guide and photographic reference to the fascinating, but little understood, world of spiders in New Zealand. Introductory material - including information on specific anatomical make-up, web construction, life cycles, how given species are classified - and more general information is provided, as well as specific entries on individual species, each with a close-up photo. Profiles are broken down under two groups: 'Myglomorph' (eg, tunnelweb and tunnel-dwelling spiders), and 'Araneomorph' (eg, wolf, white-tailed, water, jumping spiders). Appended is further information on enemies, 'close relatives' and a glossary. A succinct and readable resource, longstanding spider fans and beginners alike will find enjoyment and education from Spiders in New Zealand for some time to come.

Brian Parkinson recognises the fact that New Zealand is a fascinating arena of study for anyone with an interest in insect life, be it casual or academic. Featuring more than 170 entries, this title will appeal to walkers, nature lovers, educationalists, and photographers wishing to identify their subjects.

This is the authoritative identification manual for the 57 spider families of New Zealand. It features more than 500 magnificent, detailed illustrations, a key to the spider families found in New Zealand, an introduction which includes notes on spider anatomy and some tips for specimen examination, and a comprehensive bibliography.

Australians have a love–hate relationship with spiders. Some spiders, such as the Redback and the Sydney Funnelweb, inspire fear. Yet Peacock Spiders, with their colourful fan-spreading courtship dances, have won rapturous appreciation worldwide. A Field Guide to Spiders of Australia uses photographs of living animals to help people identify many of the spiders they encounter. Featuring over 1300 colour photographs, it is the most comprehensive account of Australian spiders ever published. With more than two-thirds of Australian spiders yet to be scientifically described, this book sets the scene for future explorations of our extraordinary Australian fauna. This field guide will be enjoyed by naturalists and anyone with an interest in learning more about Australia's incredible arachnids.