The Theraphosidae are the most famous and diverse mygalomorph spiders, and include some of the largest arachnids on earth. Their unique defense mechanisms, predatory tactics, reproductive strategies and ecological adaptations are displayed by a wide range of terrestrial, burrowing and arboreal species. These arachnids are familiar to the general public thanks to horror movies and a growing interest in tarantulas as pets; however, scientific information on the group is scattered throughout the literature and not easily available.
This book reviews all major aspects of New World Theraphosid tarantulas and provides in-depth information on their evolution, taxonomy, behavior, physiology, ecology, reproduction, conservation and biogeography. As a comprehensive guide to the biology of tarantulas, it will appeal to researchers, students and terrarium hobbyists alike.
Introduction to the Theraphosidae.- A Molecular Approach to the
Phylogeny of Theraphosidae and Their Kin.- Ischnocolinae and
Schismatothelinae.- Arboreal Tarantulas and Their Allies: Aviculariinae and
Psalmopoeinae.- Theraphosinae.- Biogeography of New World Tarantulas.-
Tarantulas and Their Habitats.- Predation and Other Interactions.- Enemies
and Defences: Urticating Setae of Theraphosidae.- Phsiological Ecology of
Tarantulas: Thermoregulation, Metabolism and Performance Traits.- Cuticular
Structures of New World Tarantulas: Ultramorphology of Setae and Other
Features.- Adhesive Features of the Theraphosid Tarantulas.- Biomechanics of
Locomotion in Tarantulas.- Communication and Reproductive Biology of
Tarantulas.- Tarantulas in Captivity: Raising and Breeding.- Situation and
Conservation of Tarantulas in the Americas.- Tarantulas, Gods and
Arachnologists: An Outline of the History of the Study of New World
Theraphosid Spiders.
Fernando Pérez-Miles is a Professor, Head of Entomology and former director of the Institute of Biology and Chief of the Department of Animal Biology at the Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay. A member researcher of the Sistema Nacional de Investigadores, Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación, Uruguay, he has published more than 100 papers on the Taxonomy, Functional Morphology, Evolution, Reproductive Biology and Biomechanics of Mygalomorph Spiders, mainly New World Theraphosidae.
