Describes the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of the Australian spider which gets its name from the shape of its web and is one of the most poisonous spiders in the world.

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.

It’s fight time for the deathstalker scorpion and the Sydney funnel-web spider! One animal is The Stinging Striker, and the other animal is The Web Master. Both fighters can inject potent venom. But which one will be crowned champion of the Attack of the Arachnids?

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?

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

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.

Becky Crew is a Sydney-based science communicator with a love for weird and wonderful animals. From strange behaviours and special adaptations to newly discovered species and the researchers who find them, her topics celebrate how alien yet relatable so many of the creatures that live amongst us can be. This collection of stories focuses on Australia and the local region, which is home to some perfectly charming oddballs.