Of the more than 49,000 species of spider worldwide, some 4,000 are in North America. Spiders of North America explores more than 500 of the most common and interesting spiders found in this region of the world. This richly illustrated guide begins with an overview of spiders – what they are exactly, how they can be found, how they develop, and why they are important. The book features information on all the major spider guilds: sensing web weavers, sheet web weavers, orb-web weavers, space web weavers, ambush hunters, ground active hunters, other active hunters, and spider hunters. Chapters contain accessible descriptions for identifying members of each spider family, including helpful tips for distinguishing members of similar families, and details at the genus and species levels. Stunning colour photographs and useful distribution maps accompany the text.
Sarah Rose is chair of the American Arachnological Society’s Common Names Committee.
"Indispensable. Rose gives professional biologists and interested amateurs everything they need to go a-spidering."
– Robert Eagan, Library Journal
"The book is fabulously illustrated from cover to cover."
– David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds