Crab Spider
ExploreInsects
Crab Spider
Mecaphesa asperata
Crab Spiders are clever little hunters that can change color to blend in with flowers. They wait patiently for their food to come by.
Habitat: Flowers and gardens
Appearance
The Crab Spider has a flattened body with large, powerful front legs that are often held outstretched. They are frequently camouflaged in white, yellow, green, or brown, allowing them to perfectly blend with flowers, leaves, or bark. Its crab-like posture and often broad abdomen make it visually distinct from many other spiders.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassArachnidaOrderAraneaeFamilyThomisidaeGenusMecaphesa
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Crab spiders are patient hunters, waiting perfectly still for hours to catch a meal!
The female crab spider is often much, much larger and stronger than the tiny male!
They use their strong front two pairs of legs like a trap to snatch unsuspecting insects!
Unlike most spiders, many crab spiders do not spin webs to catch their prey!
Special abilities
Ability
Master of Disguise
Crab Spiders can change their body color over several days to perfectly match the flowers or leaves they hunt on, helping them ambush prey unnoticed.
Ability
Sideways Scuttle
Crab Spiders have specialized leg joints that allow them to walk forwards, backward, and rapidly sideways, which helps them maneuver quickly for hunting or escape.
Ability
Venomous Trap
Crab Spiders possess a mild venom that helps them quickly subdue their insect prey, ensuring they don't escape after being captured by their powerful front legs.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 2-10 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-365 days
- Leg Count
- 8
Diet & Feeding
Crab spiders are tiny hunters that love to eat other insects they catch on flowers!
Primary Foods
- bees
- flies
- butterflies
- moths
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Honeybee
Apis mellifera
Snatch bees visiting flowers for nectar.
hunts
Hoverfly
Syrphus ribesii
Ambushes flies that land on flowers.
eaten by
Great Tit
Parus major
Small birds will spot and eat them.
eaten by
Praying Mantis
Mantis religiosa
Larger predatory insects might catch them.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Ambush Predator
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Also known as
Flower SpiderGoldenrod Spider
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Crab Spider?
2-10 mm
How long does Crab Spider live?
60-365 days
What does Crab Spider eat?
Crab spiders are tiny hunters that love to eat other insects they catch on flowers!
Where is Crab Spider usually found?
Flowers and gardens
How does Crab Spider hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Crab Spider have?
8
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