Running Crab Spider

Scientific Name: Philodromus species

Order & Family: Araneae: Philodromidae

Size: 3 to 10 mm in body length, with a relatively wide leg span.

Running Crab Spider

Natural Habitat

Found on vegetation, tree bark, and often wandering onto the walls or ceilings of buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; they are active hunters that ambush or chase down small insects like flies and mosquitoes.

Behavior Patterns

They do not build webs to catch prey. They are known for being very fast runners with a flattened body shape that allows them to hide in narrow crevices.

Risks & Benefits

They provide a benefit to the ecosystem by controlling pest populations. They are generally considered harmless to humans, as their venom is not medically significant and they are not aggressive.

Identified on: 4/6/2026