Books
Although the Internet with online message forums and web pages has become a one-stop-shop for free tarantula information, there are a number of books that are a source of valuable information both for novice and advanced keepers.
This section is dedicated to books that cover the husbandry and care of tarantulas, true spiders, scorpions, centipedes, and other such invertebrates. This page is meant to be a reference and the books may be purchased at places like Amazon.com. The views expressed below are my personal opinion regarding the information contained in the books.
Click on the name of the book to be automatically directed to that section of the page. Books are in order by release date with newest releases first.
| Husbandry and Care | For Children |
Tarantulas and Scorpions in Captivity Tarantulas and Other Arachnids The Guide to Owning a Tarantula |
An Interview with Harry the Tarantula |
Tarantulas and Scorpions in Captivity
Russ Gurley, 2005
David George Gordon, 2004
Sy Montgomery & Nic Bishop, 2004
An Interview with Harry the Tarantula
Leigh Ann Tyson & Henrik Drescher, 2003
The Tarantula (Library of Spiders)
Alice B. McGinty, 2002
Tarantulas and Other Arachnids
Samuel D. Marshall, 2001
The Guide to Owning a Tarantula
Jerry G. Walls, 2001
Peter Klaas, 2001
Melvin and Gilda Berger, 2000
Schultz & Schultz, 1998
"The Tarantula Keeper's Guide" is known to many tarantula enthusiasts as the "ultimate" guide to tarantula husbandry. Personally, I feel that this book is well-written and although I disagree with some of the information, it is overall a very good source for tarantula care. Topics range from basic setups to how to capture tarantulas in the wild. It includes a section on tarantula disease and how to care for a "sick" spider.
Chapters titles include The Physical Tarantula, Natural History, The Useful Tarantula, The Pet Tarantula, Catching Your Own, Ravaging the Planet, and Publish! Publish! Publish!
This book is commonly found in bookstores across the US for less than $15. Click here to go to the Amazon.com page for this book.
(An Owner's Guide...)
Lenny Flank, Jr., 1998
Andreas Tinter, 1996
Rainer F. Foelix, 1996
James E. Gerholdt, 1995
Peter Murray, 1993
This children's picture book offers very simple, yet correct, information about tarantulas. It is 31 pages long, with a full-page color picture of a tarantula on every other page. It discusses basic tarantula anatomy, eating habits, mating rituals, size, etc. Overall, I feel that it is very good information and an easy read for children.
I've found this book on used book sites such as Half.com for a couple of dollars. Many copies available are ex-library books. Click here to go to the Amazon.com page for this book.
The General Care and Maintenance of Tarantulas and Scorpions
Philippe de Vosjoli, 1991
John G. Browning, 1989
