Biology of Spiders

by Rainer F. Foelix

One 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.

Genres: Biology, Nonfiction, Science, Unfinished

432 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2010

Reviews

[Derek Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I wanted in a book about spider biology.

[Roberto French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I am not an arachnologist nor even an entomologist. I am an enthusiastic amateur who adores spiders large and small and grasps at any opportunity to learn more about these fantastic animals.


This is an absolutely fantastic book as an introduction to the various biological functions of Araneae as a whole. It functions well enough as a reference when needed, but more than that compiles a huge amount of information into something akin to a handbook that can be used as the stepping stone into further research. This is an absolute must have for anyone interested in learning more about spiders. The information is easy to understand and well laid out for beginners, though leaves openings for further research.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to spiders. This is an important book for beginning and intermediate-level arachnologists to read. Foelix does a great job of covering a wide range of topics, going into enough depth to make it feel like you learned something while keeping the tone accessible to a large audience.

[Atanea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the biology of spiders. For non-biologist certain parts regarding physiology might be rather difficult. Try anyway.
The ecology part is rather short better search the journals directly.
Second edition has a wonderful cover of a peacock jumping spider 🖤

[Lucardus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Für Nicht-Biologen keine leichte Lektüre, da mit Fachbegriffen nicht gespart wird. Wer nicht bereit ist, sich zumindest einige grundlegende Begriffe während oder vor der Lektüre anzueignen, dürfte schwerlich größeres Vergnügen an diesem Buch haben. Ansonsten findet man hier alles Grundlegende, was es zu Spinnen zu sagen gibt. Kleine Anekdote: Mein Interesse an diesem Fachbuch wurde durch einen Roman von Adrian Tchaikovsky (Children of Time) geweckt, in dem spinnenähnliche Lebewesen eine große Rolle spielen. Trotz aller Widerstände auch für lernwillige Laien lohnenswert.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the subject! Very informative, and as an added bonus, has hundreds of interesting facts to fascinate (or frighten) people with.