Sierran Spiders & Their Allies

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This introduction to arachnology will include field and laboratory study of arachnids, with a focus on spiders. Field methods, the use of collecting techniques and field identification of spiders and their Webs, will be taught. Laboratory work will include specimen preparation, the use of dichotomous keys, and rearing specimens. Lectures include spider anatomy, natural history, and evolution.

Class Schedule

Plan to arrive at the Sierra Nevada Field Campus on Sunday July 20. We can get acquainted that evening after dinner. Class will begin at 7:30 am on Monday July 21. The class will end on the afternoon of July 25.

Required Materials:

1pair of fine forceps (#4524 from www.bioquip.com or, 11252-20 or 11255-20 from www.finesciencetools.com)
Headlamp for night collecting

Camping gear

Warm sleeping bag, foam pad, flashlight, etc. Bring your own tent or use tents with beds provided at the field campus (see accomodations).

Recommended Materials:

Spiders of North America, Ubick et al., 2004 This is the most comprehensive text on North American spiders, and covers many of the topics that will be discussed in class. It is wonderfully illustrated and contains descriptions and diagnostic keys for many spider groups, including those in the Sierra Nevada. available here: http://faculty.vassar.edu/suter/spidermanual/

Contact Jim Steele, before 1 June -- School of Science and Engineering, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco, CA 94132-9987, (415)-338-1571 or (650)-738-1814; after 1 June -- c/o Sierra Nevada Field Campus, Star Route, Sattley, CA 96124, (530)-862-1230.