Barbara York Main
Barbara Anne York Main OAM (27 January 1929 – 14 May 2019) was an Australian arachnologist and adjunct professor at the University of Western Australia. The author of four books and over 90 research papers, Main is recognised for her prolific work in establishing taxonomy for arachnids, personally describing 34 species and seven new genera. The BBC and ABC produced a film about her work, Lady of the Spiders, in 1981.
Barbara York Main | |
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Main in the North Bungulla Nature Reserve, Western Australia, 2015 | |
| Born | 27 January 1929 Kellerberrin, Western Australia |
| Died | 14 May 2019 (aged 90) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Education | PhD, zoology, University of Western Australia, 1956 |
| Known for | Study of arachnids |
| Spouse | Bert Main (m. 1952–2009) |
| Children | 3 |
| Awards | Medal of the Order of Australia |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Arachnology |
| Institutions | University of Western Australia |
| Thesis | A comparative study of the evolution of the Araneae as illustrated by the biology of the Aganippini (Mygalomorphae: Ctenizidae) |
With research interests that include the natural history and taxonomy of mygalomorph spiders, Main is noted for having studied the oldest known spider, a Gaius villosus trapdoor spider she named "Number 16", from its birth in 1974 to its death in 2016.
Main is also recognised for her writing about the environment. Two of her books, Between Wodjil and Tor (1967) and Twice Trodden Ground (1971), have been described as "classic studies" of the cost to the environment of developing the wheatbelt in Western Australia. Main remained active in the research community until she retired in 2017 at the age of 88.