Spiders colonised the Earth long before Gondwanaland began to drift into separate continents. New Zealand spiders have links with spiders world-wide. The authors of this book have pioneered discoveries that have been found to apply to spiders in other parts of Australasia, southern American and southern Africa. The book is the definitive guide to these remarkable creatures, and is ideal for scientist and layperson alike. It explores the anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology of both native and introduced spiders. For ease of use, the chapters group spiders in different ways, such as habitat, size, and web type. There are also chapters on harmful spiders and how to find and study spiders, and notes on the naming of spiders and notable early arachnologists.