"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.

A handy guide to the identification of New Zealand Spiders. Condensed from Andrew Crowe's popular bestseller Which New Zealand Spider?, this little book has been designed to fit into a pocket, day pack or bag. Full of essential information for quick accurate identification of spiders, this new mini guide is appealing and easy to use.

A Photographic Guide to Insects of New Zealand 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. The country' s long isolation from other land masses has led to a flowering of remarkable species including the world' s heaviest insect (giant Weta) and largest weevil (giraffe weevil). Over the years these have been joined by insects introduced accidentally or deliberately from overseas, sometimes with destructive consequences for New Zealand s ecosystem. Featuring more than 170 entries, the book will appeal to walkers, nature lovers, educationalists, and photographers wishing to identify their subjects.

From the Kermadecs to Campbell Island, beloved endemics to passing vagrants, albatrosses and shearwaters to kiwi and kaka, Birds of New Zealand is the ultimate guide to this countrys extraordinary avian life. It is illustrated with almost 1000 new photographs and uses the latest information from birders and biologists to draw a definitive introduction to bird identification and behaviour. Includes expert information on the 345 bird species found in New Zealand; key identification characteristics and variation by age and sex; authoritative texts covering behaviour, distribution and taxonomy; and Maori, English and scientific names. A copy of this must-have guide belongs in every bach and backpack. The author of Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World, Paul Scofield is a leading New Zealand ornithologist. Brent Stephenson is a New Zealand bird photographer and tour leader.

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.