About this book
This book covers many aspects of the biology of spiders, including morphology, physiology, neurobiology, ecology, evolution, classification, natural history and behavior. The physiology of all major systems is covered (integument, digestion, excretion and osmoregulation, neurophysiology, respiration and metabolism, circulation and hemolymph), as well as the biochemistry of spider silk and venom. Behavioral topics include, but are not limited to, foraging, dispersal, antipredator tactics, nest and web construction, communication and social interactions. Topics on physiological ecology, habitat selection, diet composition and community ecology are also addressed. Additional topics include spider systematics and evolution, as well as the role of spiders in mythology and literature.
About the author
Fred Punzo, Ph.D. (1975) in Zoology, Iowa State University, is Dana Professor of Biology at the University of Tampa. He has published extensively on the physiology, ecotoxicology and behavior of arachnids and insects, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals. Previous books include The Biology of Camel-Spiders (Kluwer, 1998) and Desert Arthropods: Life History Variations (Springer, 2000).