Crab Spider
Scientific Name: Family Thomisidae
Order & Family: Araneae: Thomisidae
Size: Typically 4 mm to 10 mm in body length, with females being significantly larger than males.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found on flowers, foliage, bark, and leaf litter where they can blend into their surroundings.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; they are ambush predators that feed on insects like bees, flies, and butterflies.
Behavior Patterns
They do not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they sit and wait for prey to come within reach, often moving sideways or backwards like a crab.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans; they benefit the ecosystem by controlling insect populations in gardens and natural areas.
Identified on: 5/15/2026