Spider is a word that instils fear into the minds of many, yet when viewed close up, this diverse and often maligned creature becomes both fascinating and beautiful.
This book illustrates many of the spiders found in Tasmania, including the common, the unusual, the new and those that are yet to be formally described and named. It is a resource for those who wish to identify the spiders they encounter in the house or garden, along with naturalists out exploring the Tasmanian wilderness.
The use of macro photography gives the closest possible image of each spider and also highlights the key features necessary for correct identification.
John Douglas has lived in Tasmania for over 30 years and has been documenting the spiders he has found for about half of that time. His early life spent in the deserts of South Australia and Western Australia gave him a great appreciation of the wildlife of this country and the interest has followed him into his passion for Tasmanian spiders. While his training was in drafting and education, John's love of macro photography and identifying the creatures that he comes across has culminated in this guide to Tasmanian spiders.