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This stunning field guide provides a comprehensive resource for identifying and appreciating nearly 500 species of spiders. Arachnids are among the most diverse groups of terrestrial invertebrates, yet they are among the least studied and understood. This is the most comprehensive field guide to all 68 spider families in North America, with beautiful illustrations of 469 of the most commonly encountered species. Group keys enable accurate identification by web pattern, morphology, and other observable details, and species descriptions include tips to help everyday naturalists identify spiders, as well as their common names, typical habitat, geographic distribution, and behavioral notes. A concise illustrated introduction to spider biology and anatomy explains spider relationships. Featuring 82 gorgeous color plates, this book is an accessible and detailed resource for curious naturalists who want to understand this ubiquitous and ecologically critical component of our biosphere. Read more Continue reading Read less REVIEW "Bradleys admiration of and attention to these animals is evident. . . .The result is not only a remarkable compendium of information about conspicuous spiders in North America, but a gateway to their study and appreciation." -- American Entomologist "A concise illustrated introduction to spider biology and anatomy explains spider relationships, this book is a critical resource for curious naturalists who want to understand this ubiquitous and ecologically critical component of our biosphere." -- BioOne "This is a fabulous book, worthy of a place on the bookshelves of any arachnological library." -- British Arachnological Society Newsletter "People with an interest in North American spiders should enjoy this book." -- The Guardian "Every few years a field guide emerges with artwork so stunning the book is worth owning regardless of whether you plan to identify anything with it. Richard BradleysCommon Spiders of North Americais just such a book. Buy it. You wont regret it. . . .an instant classic. Highly recommended." -- Alex Wild, -- Myrmecos FROM THE BACK COVER "Common Spiders of North America is an exceptionally well-constructed and -illustrated guide that fills a large gap in Americas natural history guides. It will stimulate scientific research and public interest in one of the most diverse and abundant of all animal groups." - Edward O. Wilson, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University "Bradley provides a very well written introduction to the biology, natural history, collection, and identification of spiders and provides stunningly beautiful illustrations of nearly 500 common species found in North America. This book is designed to be used by all arachnophiles (and brave arachnophobes) from young to old and from backyard naturalist to scientist. No other field guide on this subject provides such detailed information and illustrations about so many species. It is a must-have for anyone interested in nature and the animals with whom we share this planet." - Paula E. Cushing, coauthor of Spiders of North America: An Identification Manual ABOUT THE AUTHOR Richard Bradley is Associate Professor Emeritus in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Biology at the University of New Mexico, studying the population biology of scorpions, and has been an active researcher and teacher since 1972, publishing on the behavior and ecology of birds, scorpions, and spiders. Read more Continue reading Read less