Most complete and advanced books on tarantulas?

[Shelob]

Hello all, I am seeking to expand my overall knowledge of tarantulas. I have read 2 books on them, real basic ones you may find in a private pet store or your local PetCo. However, I still hunger for more, are there any more advanced books on these creatures? I tried Amazon.com but I didn't see what I was looking for.

I'm looking for a longer book, detailing the anatomy of a T as well as (hopefully) a breakdown of most of the T species kept in the hobby as well as their housing and temperament. I know that one of the Barrons books had brief sections on each, but I am looking for something more in-depth.

Hopefully some of the gurus on this board can help me out. Thanks guys!

 

[moricollins]

try looking through the reviews here:

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/forumdisplay.php?f=11

Mori

 

[Michael Jacobi]

Unfortunately, in my opinion, the most comprehensive and accurate books are not in English. Unless you can read German, French or Dutch, I recommend reading all four of the following: two Barron's books: one by Schultz & Schultz, one by Marshall; the new book by Russ Gurley, published by ECO, and the English translation of German keeper Peter Klaas' "Tarantulas in the Vivarium", published by Krieger. These are the only 4 books published in the US worth reading - avoid all the TFH books and the old AVS book.

Cheers, Michael

 

[mackids]

barrons

I agree with the barrons tarantula care book by Samuel Marshall. I got into spiders about 15 years ago when i was nine and there weren't many books as a nine year old my parents could find. I got myself reaquainted with the subject and the Marshall book so far has been the best

 

[AphonopelmaTX]

After reading the books suggested by Michael on tarantulas, I would go further and suggest more detailed information on how spiders (in general) tick with Rainer Foelix's "Biology of Spiders." It's a very detailed and technical book written for the advanced hobbiest, student and pro biologist, etc. so get your feet wet first with the books meant for the casual hobbiest. Also, look around the American Tarantula Society's web site for books published by them and also check out the British Tarantula Society's site for the books published by Fitzgerald Publishing.

- Lonnie

Unfortunately, in my opinion, the most comprehensive and accurate books are not in English. Unless you can read German, French or Dutch, I recommend reading all four of the following: two Barron's books: one by Schultz & Schultz, one by Marshall; the new book by Russ Gurley, published by ECO, and the English translation of German keeper Peter Klaas' "Tarantulas in the Vivarium", published by Krieger. These are the only 4 books published in the US worth reading - avoid all the TFH books and the old AVS book.

Cheers, Michael

 

[DanCameron]

I would suggest "The Tarantula Keeper's Guide" by Stanley A. Schultz and Marguerite J. Schultz. This book goes into the science, the name 'tarantula', history, keeping one, catching one, and a whole bunch more!

 

[Pyst]

I would suggest "The Tarantula Keeper's Guide" by Stanley A. Schultz and Marguerite J. Schultz. This book goes into the science, the name 'tarantula', history, keeping one, catching one, and a whole bunch more!

This is the book I'm currently reading. I'm about halfway through it. It seems to answer the questions I have as to becoming a proud T owner. I've yet to start my collection. It covers everything from care to breeding.

As a newbie I can strongly recommend this book. It's easy reading. I've changed my mind on my first T(s) about 9 or 10 times now.

Oops I forgot to add that I ordered "Tarantulas and Other Arachnids" by Marshall, S. last night online.

 

[ilovebugs]

I've always had the opinion that Barron's books are the best.

there's another one too, I just can't think of the name...

 

[DanCameron]

I also own "Tarantulas and other Arachnids." I bought that book first. It's nice and handy. Not too complex and overflowing with information. Of course "The Tarantula's Keepers Guide" is wonderfully put together. I like to check out certain topics on different days. Then there is the wonderful world of the internet. I just go to the lycos search engine (my favorite search engine) and type up what I'm looking for, and voila! I got plenty of websites to choose from that have a wealth of information. It is also good to see that you are reading up on tarantulas before you make a decision on your first purchase. This will make you a better care taker for these wonderful little creatures.

 

[Valledelsole]

Ciao,

i recommend "Mygales, Decouverte & Elevage" by Verdez and Cleton.
In french language (don't know if it's planned an english version), but scientific terms are universal and the pictures are great!

Ste

 

[Michael Jacobi]

Allow me to reiterate that the few decent books published in the US are not good enough on their own. You need to digest them all for a fair education. My personal favorite is Dr. Marshall's "Tarantulas and other Arachnids". The Schultz book is much bigger and does contain more detailed information, but it also contains some information that many experienced keepers, including myself, completely disagree with.

You will learn more about tarantula care on this site than in any of those books. Dedicate a few hours a week to using the Search function to research topics of interest. Pay attention to who the authors are. You should learn quickly who knows what he or she is talking about and who doesn't. Don't pay attention to how many times the person has posted; more often than not, those who post the most are the least experienced, and there unfortunately are people with little personal knowledge who "parrot" things they have heard or read and there is a strong risk of misinformation. Once you discover who the most knowledgeable and most willing to provide useful information members are, you can search posts in a certain forum using their username. There is much more accurate information contained in the archived posts of this site than in all the American tarantula books put together.

Happy Learning,

Michael

 

[Rob883226]

Keep it clean, keep it warm 75-80, keep it watered, keep it fed, and provide a hide that is appropriate for its natural living conditions.

Isn't that about it for 99% of all the spiders people keep?

Once it is happy, odds are you will either never see it, or see it, but hardly see it move.

IMO most of the books out there are 1 or 2 pages of info that you can read standing in the store, the rest is eye candy.

Funny thing is, I keep buying them.

:?