Ground Crab Spider
Scientific Name: Xysticus species
Order & Family: Order Araneae, Family Thomisidae
Size: 3 to 10 mm (body length), with females being larger than males.

Natural Habitat
Found on the ground, under leaf litter, rocks, and logs, or on low vegetation and garden plants.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; they are ambush predators that feed on small insects like bees, flies, and other spiders.
Behavior Patterns
Unlike many spiders, they do not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they rely on camouflage and wait patiently to ambush passing insects. They move sideways or backward, similar to a crab.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits the ecosystem by controlling pest insect populations. They are generally harmless to humans; while they can bite if handled, their venom is not considered medically significant for people.
Identified on: 4/23/2026