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Spiders of New Zealand

And Their Worldwide Kin
Brief Description
Spiders of New Zealand by Ray Forster and Lyn Forster is an enlightening exploration of New Zealand’s rich arachnid fauna. This definitive guide delves deep into the fascinating lives of these remarkable creatures, offering a comprehensive study that appeals to both scientists and laypersons alike. This... Read More
Format: Hardback
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Spiders colonised the Earth long before Gondwanaland began to drift into separate continents. New Zealand spiders have links with spiders world-wide. This book is the guide to these remarkable creatures. It explores the anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology of both native and introduced spiders. It is aimed at scientist and layperson.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Spiders of New Zealand by Ray Forster and Lyn Forster is an enlightening exploration of New Zealand’s rich arachnid fauna. This definitive guide delves deep into the fascinating lives of these remarkable creatures, offering a comprehensive study that appeals to both scientists and laypersons alike. This meticulously researched book, originally published in paperback in 1999 and now available in hardback, provides readers with a thorough understanding of both native and introduced spiders in New Zealand.

New Zealand holds a unique place in the world of arachnids, with its spiders having ancient ties that trace back to when Gondwanaland began to fragment into separate continents. Through their pioneering research, the authors reveal connections between New Zealand spiders and their counterparts in Australasia, southern America, and southern Africa. Their discoveries highlight patterns and characteristics that resonate across these distant regions.

The book delves into the detailed anatomy, physiology, behaviour, and ecology of the various spider species. It is meticulously structured to aid the reader's understanding, categorising spiders by habitat, size, and web type for ease of identification and study. Special attention is given to harmful spiders, providing essential information on species that may pose risks to humans.

Adding to its utility, the book offers practical chapters on how to find and study these arachnids in their natural habitats. It also includes insightful notes on the historical context of spider naming and the early arachnologists who laid the groundwork for modern studies. Each chapter is enriched with high-quality illustrations and photographs that bring to life the intricate details of these captivating creatures.

Spiders of New Zealand stands as a must-have reference for anyone interested in the diverse world of spiders, whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply a curious nature enthusiast. Its blend of scientific rigour and accessible language ensures that it remains an invaluable resource for understanding one of the most intriguing facets of New Zealand's biodiversity.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781877372131

Publisher: Otago University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 01 January 2005

Country: New Zealand

Imprint: Otago University Press

Edition: 2nd Revised edition

Illustration: Illustrations, unspecified

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 228.0mm

Height: 304.0mm

Weight: 1441g

Pages: 312

About the Author

This book is the result of two lifetimes of work by internationally respected arachnologists. Ray Forster was director of the Otago Museum, and Lyn Forster is a former lecturer and tutor in zoology at the University of Otago. Together they shared a lifetime interest in natural history and are authors of New Zealand Spiders: An Introduction and Small Land Animals of New Zealand. Ray Forster published many monographs on spiders and both authors have published numerous papers in journals worldwide.

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