Author | Jones-Walters, L.M. |
Year | 1989 |
Title | Keys to the Families of British Spiders |
ISBN | 1 85153 197 1 |
Series | AIDGAP Keys |
Type | Book/Report |
How Complete | Families of British spiders |
Source | AIDGAP Keys, No. 197, 2 edition, 79pp, Field Studies Council |
Illustrations | Line drawings accompany the text, keys and table |
Review (by Malcolm Storey) | The guide offers two keys. The first is a classic dichotomous key, with simple well illustrated couplets. Each family has a lengthy account describing general apppearance, ecology, life history etc The second (lateral) key is a tabulation, giving, for each family: couplet in previous key, size and drawings of: body form, cephalothorax & eyes, legs/claws, spinnerets, mouthparts, distinctive features and web/ecology. To use the key, cut a strip of paper to match a table row and make quick sketches of the appropriate parts. Then scan down the table with your strip of paper and find a match. The lateral key is recommended if the specimen is damaged or incomplete, or is known to have a distinctive web. |
Examine | Stereo Microscope |
Specimen Preparation | Large spiders may be identified to family while alive, but smaller specimens (or identification to species) generally requires a dead specimen in 70% alcohol. |
Notes & Purpose | Status | Taxon | English | Classification |
---|---|---|---|---|
For identification | Current | ARANEAE | spiders | Animalia |
Unless otherwise expressly stated, all original material on the BioInfo website by Malcolm Storey is licensed under the above Creative Commons Licence.