AuthorJones-Walters, L.M.
Year1989
TitleKeys to the Families of British Spiders
ISBN1 85153 197 1
SeriesAIDGAP Keys
TypeBook/Report
How CompleteFamilies of British spiders
SourceAIDGAP Keys, No. 197, 2 edition, 79pp, Field Studies Council
IllustrationsLine 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 PreparationLarge spiders may be identified to family while alive, but smaller specimens (or identification to species) generally requires a dead specimen in 70% alcohol.

Notes & PurposeStatusTaxonEnglishClassification
For identificationCurrentARANEAEspidersAnimalia
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