There are animals that hunt, and then there are animals that wait until their prey comes to them. These animals make terrific traps that are sure to snap up their dinner when it walks by. Readers will be fascinated by these trap-making animals, including spiders that throw nets and spit poison, alligators that lure birds onto their nose, and antlions that build pits for other animals to fall into. This book covers the animals’ habitats, social structures, and anatomy, while explaining how their traps work. Fact boxes supplement this high-interest topic and give a deeper understanding of animal behavior and ecosystems. Fascinating text and bright visuals will make these sneaky hunters come to life.

Lots of animals hunt prey to survive. Many of them attack with sharp teeth and claws. But did you know that some animals have sneaky and clever ways of hunting? Trap-door spiders hide until just the right moment. A peacock mantis shrimp packs a powerful punch. And killer whales swim, dive, and work together. The animals in this book use lures, traps, and teamwork to catch their prey. Read this book to learn all about predators and their unique hunting tactics!

Recently another book on insect physiology was published. It was restricted to a few focal points as are many of these new insect physiology books, but there was considerable depth in its specialized point of view. We were dis cussing the structure of this book and of insect physiology books, in general, when Prof. Remmert asked me " . . . and what about books on spider physio logy?" Silence. Then I started to explain "oh yes, there is a congress pro ceedings volume on this topic and there is a group with excellent publica tions on another topic . . . ", but I felt that this answer was weak. One can no longer buy the proceedings volume in a bookshop and to read a series of publications on a given topic one must search in a library for a dozen journals. Why is there not a single book on spider physiology comparable with the many books on insect physiology? Are spiders a scientific ivory tower, far from public interest and commercial importance? I do not think so, although spiders are one of the many "forgotten" animal groups which always grew in the shadow of the insects. There are research groups working on spider physiology, there are fascinating phenomena in this animal group and there are plenty of exciting results. Spiders may have been always underresearch ed, but research is progressing. In the last few years, new books have been published, e. g.

Some animals have developed special skills for hunting, and that’s bad news for their prey! Lions are known to stalk when they hunt, quietly pursuing their prey until they’re ready to pounce. Readers will learn about the lurking lion and other stealthy animals, such as polar bears, komodo dragons, jaguars, and great white sharks. This book provides a fascinating introduction to each animal, including fun facts on their physical characteristics, habitat, and social structure, while describing their individual stalking technique. Readers will delight in the book’s information-rich text and stunning images, which are supplemented by a variety of riveting fun facts.

Introduces the reader to one of the most common groups of animals, from the giant bird-eating spider to the tiny tick.

Trapdoor spiders get their name from the trapdoor-like entrance they make to their underground burrows. Made of silk, soil, and plant matter, a trapdoor spider’s habitat is an interesting study in bug behavior. Readers will be fascinated to learn all about the trapdoor spider through this volume, which is written to support elementary science curricula. The information-rich text explores the life of a trapdoor spider with a special focus on their burrows and the behaviors that keep these spiders close to or under the ground. Readers also learn about the spider’s role in its ecosystem, its life cycle, and physical and behavioral features. Fact boxes, color photographs, and age-appropriate text are designed to make learning fun.

The architects of the arachnid world, these spiders dig a hole using special rake-like combs on their front legs. Then they construct a trap door with silk, often covering it with twigs, dirt, and leaves. Imagine the surprise of passing insects that make the mistake of passing too close to this spiders lair! Spectacular photography and in-depth text bring the world of trap-door spiders to life.