Field Guide To the Spiders of South Africa

Thoroughly revised and updated, this new edition of Field Guide to the Spiders of South Africa is the most comprehensive guide to South African spiders to date. It features over 780 of the more common spider species encountered in the field and in homes and gardens, as well as representative species from some of the rarer spider families. Full-colour photographs and line illustrations as well as distribution maps support each entry. An introductory chapter discusses spider morphology, life cycle, the functions of silk, as well as spider collection techniques. Succinct genus and species accounts cover identifying characteristics, behaviour, distribution and conservation status. A section on venom identifies species that pose a danger to humans, unpacks neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom, and details the symptoms and treatment of spider bites. A Quick Key section to the 72 South African spider families provide a useful starting point to identification.