Black Widow Spiders

By James E. Gerholdt

Many people believe the female black widow spider eats the male after mating. Is this true? Find out as this book introduces young readers to black widow spiders. Students will learn about the sizes, behaviors, habits, dietary needs, methods of defense, anatomy, and color of black widow spiders. Reproduction and spiderling development are also introduced. A diagram of a spider's body aids readers in indentifying anatomical features. Threats to the spiders and their habitat including predators and humans are covered. Readers will also learn about the black widow spider's unique web. A distribution map shows where black widow spiders are found, so the young arachnologist can be on the lookout for a specimen to observe. Full-color photos allow close observation without travel or fear of a bite Glossary words in bold, phonetic spellings, and an index supplement easy-to-read text. These books are ideal for research reports and general reading. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

• Format: Library Binding
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1562395114
• ISBN13: 9781562395117
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Abdo Publishing Company
• Length: 24 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6

Customer Reviews

Basic black widow spider book with excellent photographs.

The best parts of this book are the first-rate close-up photography and the bold-type vocabulary builders. While technically weak/simplistic, the information provided is accurate. If there's any serious shortcoming, it's in not emphasizing the danger these creatures pose for small, curious children. Gram-for-gram, black widow venom is more toxic than rattlesnake venom, and the black widow aggressively attacks any perceived threat, such as a child poking a web--especially if the widow is guarding an egg sack. The book also fails to mention that immature black widow spiders aren't black with red hourglass, but are nonetheless competently toxic.