9781422278260

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Long legs and large fangs are typical of wolf spiders. A head- on view of this Florida wolf spider reveals its beady, paired eyes.

L ove them or hate them, spiders are a fact of life for most people around the world. They are found on every conti- nent and have representatives in almost every terrestrial habitat capable of supporting life. Some spiders have ventured into the world of freshwater and a few can even tolerate expo- sure to salt water. The fact that almost everyone can recognize a spider might be thought to imply uniformity among the group as a whole. This is far from the case, however, and there is huge variation in both color and size: Some species are smaller than a grain of rice, and the largest can exceed the span of a man’s hand. Spiders are also among the most numerous of invertebrate groups and are particularly abundant in grassland and wood- land habitats. Given the overlap between these natural habitats and our own yards and gardens, it is not surprising that we come into contact with spiders on a regular basis. Add to this many spiders’ predilection for dark nooks and crannies, and many spe- cies have become familiar companions at home, whether they are welcome or unwelcome visitors. For the amateur naturalist, spiders offer a wealth of opportunities for observation and study. Their sharpened senses and awareness of the world can make observation a challenge, but most species are confident enough to allow a cautious approach. Some spiders are

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