The Wolf Spiders, Nurseryweb Spiders, and Lynx Spiders of Canada and Alaska

Ian Wylie Toal is a Martindale-based freelance science writer.

This volume on the wolf, nurseryweb, and lynx spiders of Canada is
Dondale and Redner’s third contribution to Agriculture Canada’s
Insects and Arachnids of Canada series. Generally, it follows the format
used by the other 16 volumes in the series. The spiders are introduced
briefly, and then their anatomy is discussed. After this comes the
section containing the identification keys.

The spiders covered in this book represent three separate families, and
each has its own key to genera. At this level, there are separate keys
for male and female spiders, and separate French and English keys. Each
genus has a key to species. Smaller genera have a single key in both
French and English, while larger genera have a male and female key also
in French and English.

The males and females of each species are described in detail. A few
comments are given, along with the range and biology of the species.
Distribution maps are also included. After the identification keys there
is a glossary, list of references, and an index to Latin names, arranged
by species. In spite of its similarity to other volumes in the series, I
found this book to be less accessible. For example, there is no key to
identify spiders at the family level—this key is found in Vol. 5 of
the series. As well, there is no generalized illustration included in
the anatomy section. As I am not familiar with spiders, I had a hard
time sorting out the sex differences, which are so essential for proper
identification (male spiders have their copulatory organs on their
head). Although there are many illustrations, I found them to be
somewhat confusing. I also found that very high magnification
(accompanied by a powerful light) was necessary to use the key, as well
as a pair of very fine forceps.

In short, this does not appear to be a book for nonspecialists. As with
all Agriculture Canada publications, it is thorough, and professionally
written, but it will probably be most useful to those people who already
know what they are doing.