"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.

Spiders of the Eastern United States: A Photographic Guide fills the void for a photographic identification guide to commonly encountered eastern U.S. spiders. Although not a taxonomic key or scientific treatise, this welcome book contains a wealth of information not seen elsewhere. After a brief introduction to spider anatomy, silk and webs, spider ecology, and classification, the book covers descriptions of families and common species. For each family, there are representative species with identifying characteristics, ecology and behavior, size, and one or more photos are provided. 363 pages, color photos throughout.

In this book, the natural history of New Zealand's North Island, from Lake Taupo up, is described, including geology, soils, climate, flora and fauna. Chapters on different habitats are included, including forests, shrublands, wetlands and the coast.

Featuring more than 80 species representing the extraordinary breadth of New Zealand's native and introduced species, this fully illustrated guide will delight newcomers to the topic and enthusiasts alike.