Bug Identifier
Crab Spider
Community identification

Crab Spider

Thomisidae

Order & Family
Order: Araneae, Family: Thomisidae
Size
2 to 20 mm in body length, varying by species
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found on flowers, foliage, tree bark, and sometimes venturing onto walls or indoor surfaces near windows.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds on insects such as flies, bees, butterflies, and beetles that visit flowers or land nearby.

Behavior Patterns

They do not build webs. Instead, they sit in ambush and use their enlarged front legs to grab prey, often walking sideways or backward like crabs.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits gardens by controlling pest insect populations; poses no significant risk to humans as their venom is weak and bites are extremely rare.