Spiders

Loathed and feared by many, spiders are some of the least understood, yet most intriguing creatures in the animal world. Using examples of spiders from all over the world, this exciting and comprehensive guide offers an insight into their captivating world. Find out which spiders stalk and hunt their prey like cats, why spiders don't get caught in their own webs and why some spiders' venom is deadly poisonous. Discover their amazing courtship rituals and astonishing use of camouflage.

Dramatic photographs show spiders in action and colour illustrations reveal the complex workings of their bodies. Focus features take a closer look at one family of spiders or an aspect of spider life. Myth boxes explore legends and stories about spiders from many cultures and ages, and Did You Know? features provide quirky facts that will both amaze and amuse.

The 'Nature Watch' series explores the fascinating world of nature and its creatures, with beautiful specially commissioned photography by renowned wildlife photographers and informative text by experts. These books answer questions about wildlife, including food and feeding, defence, life cycles, habitats, play, legends and myths and much, much more - all things 8 -12 year-old's want to know.

About the Author

Barbara Taylor studied environmental sciences at Southampton University before becoming a science editor and writer at London's Natural History Museum. She is now a writer and editor specialising in children's information books. Barbara has won several awards, including, for Crocodiles (in this series), the Key Stage 2 non-fiction category of the English Associations 4-11 awards for the best children's illustrated books. Barbara Taylor's published works include Butterflies & Moths (Dorling Kindersley); Kingfisher Young Knowledge : Insects (Kingfisher); 'Bug Zone series (Chrysalis Children's Books/Anova Books); Animal Close-ups series : Frogs and Snakes & Insects (Oxford University Press). She has written Snakes, Crocodiles, Penguins, Great Apes and Elephants in the Lorenz Books 'Nature Watch' series, and The Amazing World of Castles.