Bug Identifier
Ground Crab Spider
Community identification

Ground Crab Spider

Xysticus species

Order & Family
Order Araneae, Family Thomisidae
Size
3 to 10 millimeters in body length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Leaf litter, low vegetation, and on the ground or vertical surfaces in gardens and woodlands.

Diet & Feeding

Ambush predator feeding on various insects, including flies, beetles, and bees.

Behavior Patterns

Does not build webs; instead, waits in ambush for prey using crab-like sideways movement.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans with negligible venom; beneficial for controlling garden pest insect populations.