The Silken Web - A Natural History of Australian Spiders by Bert Brunet

This is a second-hand copy of the book The Silken Web - A Natural History of Australian Spiders by Bert Brunet.

Condition: This is a used book in very good condition. A previous owner has written their name on the title page - see photos.

Publisher: Reed New Holland
Year: 1994
ISBN: 9781876334277
Format: Softback
Pages: 208
Condition: Used (Very Good)

Publisher's blurb:

Spiders have found their way into our legends and folklore and human study. They are differ­ent in structure and habit than any other creature we care to name. Overwhelming fear is often associated with spiders. "The Silken Web a natural history of Australian Spiders" demands a new approach to the subject, revealing the fascinating use of silk and the wonderful role spiders play in nature. The conventional laws of nature seem to be challenged by spiders. Heads, as we know them, are non-existent, eyes are over-abundant, mouths are well-hidden and torsos are uniquely divided and set upon eight legs. Spiders' silk can be stretched to over twenty percent of its original length before breaking.
The engineering feats of spiders are amazing. With mathematical ingenuity, the spider uses its legs, spinnerets, and the swing of its abdomen to construct the silken snare with marvelous precision. Problem-solving outside the usual routine is strongly evident during web construc­tion and is often demonstrated in the skillful handling of large prey.
Author Bert Brunet presents the history and biology of Australia's most commonly encountered spiders; to iden­tify them and understand their ways. His superb photographs and intricate line drawings depict many rare observations of spider behavior. With the publication of this book, there may be far fewer spiders stomped upon, but rather a growing appreciation of their vital role in the natural world.