Field Guide to the Spiders of California and the Pacific Coast States.

Saturday, May 30: Spiders of the Pacific Coast: Diversity, Ecology, and Myths Dispelled

R. J. Adams in the field. Photo credit Michelle Torres-Grant.Free lecture and book signing with R.J. Adams

Saturday, May 30, 7:00 p.m.
Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado, Los Olivos

We are pleased to host a lecture by R.J. Adams, author of the new book, “Field Guide to the Spiders of California and the Pacific Coast States” (UC Press). Over half of the world’s spider families live within the three contiguous Pacific Coast states, which is not surprising considering these states comprise a wide variety of habitats, from mountain meadows and desert dunes to redwood forests and massive urban centers. Adams will give an illustrated talk exploring the diversity of the region’s spider fauna with an overview of both the more common and unusual species. After the presentation, he will be available to sign his new book, and light refreshments will be served.

R.J. Adams is a special education teacher and wildlife tour guide in Monterey, California. He has a BS in biology from Humboldt State University, California and an MS in biology emphasizing entomology and host-parasite coevolution from the University of Utah. His current projects include an inventory of the spiders of Pinnacles National Park and the early-stage research on the terrestrial and freshwater mollusks of California.

R. J. Adams in the field. Photo credit Michelle Torres-Grant.