Biology of SpidersOne of the only books to treat the whole spider, from its behavior and physiology to its neurobiology and reproductive characteristics, Biology of Spiders is considered a classic in spider literature. First published in German in 1979, the book is now in its third edition, and has established itself as the supreme authority on these fascinating creatures. Containing five hundred new references, this book incorporates the latest research while dispelling many oft-heard myths and misconceptions that surround spiders. Of special interest are chapters on the structure and function of spider webs and silk, as well as those on spider venom. A new subchapter on tarantulas will appeal especially to tarantula keepers and breeders. The highly accessible text is supplemented by exceptional, high-quality photographs, many of them originals, and detailed diagrams. It will be of interest to arachnologists, entomologists, and zoologists, as well as to academics, students of biology, and the general reader curious about spiders. |
From inside the book
Page 3
... prosoma (or cephalothorax), and a posterior part, the opisthosoma (or abdomen). These are connected by a narrow stalk, the pedicel (fig. 1.2). The prosoma's functions are mainly for locomotion, food uptake, and nervous integration (as ...
... prosoma (or cephalothorax), and a posterior part, the opisthosoma (or abdomen). These are connected by a narrow stalk, the pedicel (fig. 1.2). The prosoma's functions are mainly for locomotion, food uptake, and nervous integration (as ...
Page 4
... prosoma is covered by a dorsal and a ventral plate, the carapace and the sternum, respectively. It serves as the place of attachment for six pairs of extremities: one pair of biting chelicerae and one pair of leglike pedipalps are ...
... prosoma is covered by a dorsal and a ventral plate, the carapace and the sternum, respectively. It serves as the place of attachment for six pairs of extremities: one pair of biting chelicerae and one pair of leglike pedipalps are ...
Page 14
... prosoma (fig. 1.11). Most conspicuous are the anterior eyes, which occupy the entire front of the carapace (fig. 4.17). Jumping spiders react very definitely to visual stimuli such as passing insects or the approaching finger of an ...
... prosoma (fig. 1.11). Most conspicuous are the anterior eyes, which occupy the entire front of the carapace (fig. 4.17). Jumping spiders react very definitely to visual stimuli such as passing insects or the approaching finger of an ...
Page 16
... that describe how to keep and breed them; a recent comprehensive treatise, for instance, is The Tarantula Keeper ́s Guide by Schultz and Schultz (2009). Functional Anatomy 2 Prosoma The dorsal plate of the prosoma. 16 BIOLOGY OF SPIDERS.
... that describe how to keep and breed them; a recent comprehensive treatise, for instance, is The Tarantula Keeper ́s Guide by Schultz and Schultz (2009). Functional Anatomy 2 Prosoma The dorsal plate of the prosoma. 16 BIOLOGY OF SPIDERS.
Page 17
... prosoma, although embryological studies indicate that the prosoma is formed by six fused segments. The “head” part of the prosoma bears the eyes and the chelicerae. Most spiders have eight eyes, which are arranged in specific patterns ...
... prosoma, although embryological studies indicate that the prosoma is formed by six fused segments. The “head” part of the prosoma bears the eyes and the chelicerae. Most spiders have eight eyes, which are arranged in specific patterns ...
Contents
3 | |
17 | |
3 Metabolism | 49 |
4 Neurobiology | 83 |
5 Spider Webs | 136 |
6 Locomotion and Prey Capture | 188 |
7 Reproduction | 218 |
8 Development | 262 |
9 Ecology | 287 |
10 Phylogeny and Systematics | 327 |
Bibliography | 345 |
Index | 411 |
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Common terms and phrases
abdomen adult Agelena Amaurobius araneids Araneus diadematus Argiope arrow attached autotomy Barth behavior bite body book lungs Bristowe calamistrum capture thread catching cells chelicerae cheliceral fang claws cocoon copulation courtship coxae crab spiders cribellate cribellum Cupiennius cuticle cuticular dendritic dorsal dragline duct Eberhard egg sac feeding female female’s fibers Figure Foelix front legs function ganglia hair shaft hemolymph Homann insects instance Jackson joint jumping spider lateral layer linyphiids main eyes male male’s membrane Mesothelae molt muscles mygalomorphs Nephila nerve neuropil opisthosoma orb weavers orb webs organs pair palpal palps pheromones Photo posterior prey capture prosoma radial threads radii retreat Rovner Salticidae secondary eyes segments sensory Seyfarth signals silk threads species sperm spider families spigots spinnerets sticky spiral structure tarantulas tarsal Tegenaria temperature theridiids trichobothria tube typical Uetz uloborid venom glands ventral vibrations visual Vollrath wandering spiders wasps whereas wolf spiders young spiderlings Zygiella