​Professor Friedrich G. Barth was born in Munich, Germany, in 1940. He studied biology and human physiology in Munich and Los Angeles. In 1967, he obtained his doctorate under H. Autrum, 1970 he received his Habilitation in zoology. In 1974, he was offered a chair at the University of Frankfurt/M. Since 1987, he has been professor at the University of Vienna, Austria. His main areas of research are neurobiology, sensory systems, and biomechanics. He is a member of several scientific academies and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Comparative Physiology A.

From the reviews: "Thanks to Professor Friedrich G. Barth, his numerous co-workers and students we have astonishing details about the sensorial world and behaviour of these large neotropical spiders ... . even a non-arachnologist will find the text easily understandable and instructive. ... The book is richly illustrated with numerous line drawings, diagrams and photographs and also contains 16 magnificent colour plates. Professor Barth's monograph is a very useful book for all students of arthropod sensory physiology and behaviour." (J. Zd'arek, European Journal of Entomology, Vol. 99, 2002) "This excellent book, written with authority and charm, is a scientific odyssey into the sensory world of spiders. ... The book is very well produced, with a well laid-out text supported by numerous figures and photographs ... . One of this great book's many attractions is the way that the text involves the reader ... . This highly readable and informative book will provide a valuable reference for researchers, students and teachers ... as well as an essential addition to any arachnological bookshelf." (Mike Gray, Lab News, December/January, 2002/2003)

• A The General Biology of Cupiennius.- I How it All Began.- II The Relatives — Who Is Who?.- III The Habitat.- IV Daily Activity Rhythm.- V No Spider Without Poison.- B Sensory Systems.- VI The Special Significance of Mechanical Senses.- VII The Measurement of Strain in the Exoskeleton.- VIII The Vibration Sense.- IX Trichobothria — The Measurement of Air Movement.- X Proprioreception.- XI The Eyes.- XII Chemoreception.- XIII Hygro- and Thermoreception: Blumenthal’s Tarsal Organ.- C The Central Nervous System and Its Peripheral Nerves.- XIV The Central Nervous System.- XV The Route for Afferent Inputs to the CNS.- XVI Two Visual Systems in One Brain.- XVII Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators.- D Senses and Behavior.- XVIII Signposts to the Prey: Substrate Vibrations.- XIX Signposts to the Prey: Airflow Stimuli.- XX Courtship and Vibratory Communication.- XXI Kinesthetic Orientation.- XXII Visual Targets.- XXIII Raising the Body When Walking over an Obstacle.- XXIV Locomotion and Leg Reflexes.- XXV Swinging to a New Plant: the Dispersal of the Spiderlings.- Epilogue.- References.- Appendix (Identification Key).