In recent years, the field of Toxinology has expanded substantially. On the one hand it studies venomous animals, plants and micro organisms in detail to understand their mode of action on targets. While on the other, it explores the biochemical composition, genomics and proteomics of toxins and venoms to understand their three interaction with life forms (especially humans), development of antidotes and exploring their pharmacological potential. Therefore, Toxinology has deep linkages with biochemistry, molecular biology, anatomy and pharmacology. In addition, there is a fast developing applied subfield, clinical toxinology, which deals with understanding and managing medical effects of toxins on human body. Given the huge impact of toxin-based deaths globally, and the potential of venom in generation of drugs for so-far incurable diseases (for example, Diabetes, Chronic Pain), the continued research and growth of the field is imminent. This has led to the growth of research in the area and the consequent scholarly output by way of publications in journals and books. Despite this ever growing body of literature within biomedical sciences, there is still no all-inclusive reference work available that collects all of the important biochemical, biomedical and clinical insights relating to Toxinology. The Handbook of Toxinology aims to address this gap and cover the field of Toxinology comprehensively.

Horror novel first published in 1997. A plague of funnel web spiders spread over Australia, terrifying the population. The author is a film director.

"...bright illustrations and simple text, pleasantly presented in read-along form, should be welcomed by budding entomologists." -School Library Journal

Many people think that spiders are insects. But spiders are different to insects. Their bodies have two main parts, not three. They have eight legs, not six. What else do you know about spiders?

Spiders are among the most diverse groups of terrestrial invertebrates, yet they are among the least studied and understood. This first comprehensive guide to all 68 spider families in North America beautifully illustrates 469 of the most commonly encountered species. Group keys enable identification by web type and other observable details, and species descriptions include identification tips, typical habitat, geographic distribution, and behavioral notes. 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.

Australians have a love–hate relationship with spiders. Some spiders, such as the Redback and the Sydney Funnelweb, inspire fear. Yet Peacock Spiders, with their colourful fan-spreading courtship dances, have won rapturous appreciation worldwide. A Field Guide to Spiders of Australia uses photographs of living animals to help people identify many of the spiders they encounter. Featuring over 1300 colour photographs, it is the most comprehensive account of Australian spiders ever published. With more than two-thirds of Australian spiders yet to be scientifically described, this book sets the scene for future explorations of our extraordinary Australian fauna. This field guide will be enjoyed by naturalists and anyone with an interest in learning more about Australia's incredible arachnids.

With their unique ability to spin silk that is stronger than steel, spiders make cunning traps as well as beautiful webs. This book brings you up close to these brilliant engineers, aerial acrobats, and super-successful predators. Discover the trap-door spider that can pull 38 times its own weight, the diving bell spider that lives its whole life in water, the bird-dropping spider that is a master of disguise, and more! Learn some fascinating secrets about the world's most interesting—and deadly—spiders. You'll never look at your eight-legged friends the same way again!

The good news is that unless you live in Australia, you likely won’t encounter funnel-web spiders in your backyard. Vacationing there, though, exposes you to more than 40 kinds of funnel-web spiders, and many are extremely poisonous. This book takes a look at many of these amazing creatures, exploring how they build their funnel-shaped burrows and where they like to live. With full-color photographs of these amazing arachnids in their foliage-filled habitats, readers will discover the wild world of these small but dangerous creatures.