Spiders: The Ultimate Predators

by Stephen Dalton

Spiders are the most successful of all terrestrial predators. Humans share the planet with about 40,000 known species of the remarkable creatures called spiders. From mountaintops to seashores and from ponds to deserts, spiders are likely to be nearby. Stephen Dalton provides fascinating information on the astonishing array of techniques spiders use for catching their trapping in webs, lassoing, jumping, stealing, chasing, ambushing, spitting, fishing, masquerading as other animals and even attracting prey by mimicking the prey's pheromones. Although spiders have an image problem, many of these intriguing creatures are actually not at all creepy. The jumping spiders, by far the most numerous single group, have, some might say, an almost cuddly appearance. Spiders features spectacular photographs that are extraordinary in their detail. Chapters provide information on habitat, hunting techniques, anatomy, general characteristics and location in the world and There is also a guide to photographing spiders. Sure to be a hit with nature buffs and general readers, The Ultimate Predators documents some spider behavior never recorded previously.

Genres: Nature, Science, Nonfiction, Animals, Photography, Reference

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephen Dalton is a recovering arachnophobe and his enthusiasm for his interest shines through in every page of this generalists' introduction to the subject of "spiders." It's chock full of really cool photos, plus a nice little chapter at the end with tips on how to take pictures of the spiders in your neighborhood.

The only objection a reader may harbor is that we only get to see a relatively small portion of the "kingdom of the spiders" - England, with some discussion of European and North American species.

[Samantha]

I have always found spiders fascinating—if a little freaky, so this book caught my eye. It is very image-heavy, which I loved (the photos are so detailed and beautiful). This book is focused primarily on the hunting methods employed by different types of spiders, but there’s also info about anatomy, mating, etc. It’s also focused on European and American spiders. This is definitely not an identification book or field guide, as the author readily acknowledges, but it was a great way to pique my interest, feed my curiosity, and give me a greater appreciation for these incredible little critters.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent photography and well-written text. Although the majority of the spiders pictured are from the UK and Europe, there are a number of North American spiders shown too. Fascinating if you enjoy spiders.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I din't realize that the book focused on the spiders of Britain. Even though I don't live there it was an interesting read with lots of great pictures.

[Spoke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully enthusiastic read, very positive and friendly. Gorgeous pictures as well, and some of them really are adorable.

[Scicom Krabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine pictures, helpful to classification, I can definite it as well.