To mark the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, Dr Mark Harvey Senior Curator and Head of Department of Terrestrial Zoology at the Western Australian Museum will present a public lecture on how to determine whether a spider is a friend or foe.

Dr Harvey’s lecture on Spectacular spider stories: a guide to our eight-legged friends will provide a light-hearted and insightful approach on arachnids and their important role in maintaining a healthy environment.

“Spiders have been with us for millions of years and occur in all terrestrial environments from the sea shore to the summit of the worlds highest mountains,” Dr Harvey said.

Although Australia is home to thousands of species of spiders few are considered to be dangerous.

“Despite their fearsome reputation most spiders are completely harmless to humans. In fact they play a vital role in regulating insect populations.”

The talk will focus on common spiders in Australia and how to separate friend from foe.

Dr Harvey is a world-renowned authority in the study of arachnids and has served as a member of many international, national and state committees and as President or Vice-President of several scientific societies. His most recent appointment has been as a member of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature which advises the scientific community on how scientific names can be used.

Dr Harvey is presenting his lecture Spectacular spiders stories: a guide to our eight-legged friends as part of the Harry Butler lecture series In the Wild West – a series of lectures by WA Museum scientists and associates.

LECTURE: Spectacular spider stories: a guide to our eight-legged friends
WHEN: 12.30pm, Friday 19 February 2010
WHERE: Western Australian Museum – Perth, Glauert Room
James Street, Perth Cultural Centre
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: +61 [0]8 9427 2845
COST: By gold coin donation.

Media contact
Flora Perrella
Western Australian Museum
Tel: +61 [0]8 9212 3856
Mob: 0424 027 646