Author Description

This popular handbook for the captive husbandry and breeding of tarantulas, originally published in the German language, is now available in English. The taxonomy has been updated by the author, Peter Klaas. The text is in two sections. The first is an introductory section discussing tarantula anatomy and life history, the relationships of tarantulas to other arthropods, and general information on vivarium setup and special requirements of tarantulas in captivity. Problems arising in captive care--such as disease and parasites--are discussed, as is the problem of tarantula bites to humans. The second section consists of individual accounts on 40 of the more commonly kept species from around the world. These are illustrated in the book's 123 color photographs. Peculiarities of each of these species are discussed, with special attention to their requirements in captivity. Tarantulas are becoming increasingly popular as vivarium and zoo specimens. This book, based upon the author's extensive personal experience, will become an important reference on the topic, and will add greatly to the small amount of published information about them.