Crab spiders (often called flower spiders) are known for their oversized front legs and resemblance to the familiar crustacean seafood item. The term flower spider comes from their habit of lying in wait on flowers, much like the assassin bug or numerous other opportunistic predators. This guy is small, only about 10mm across the outstretched front legs. He was hiding amidst the sprays of tiny flowers that make up a Queen Anne's lace bloom.

Other species in Thomisidae have brightly colored camouflage which makes them nearly invisible when lying in wait on or near flowers, where they snag unwary insects blundering within range while nectaring. Their prey includes butterflies, flies, beetles, and bugs.

Like all spiders, crab spiders go through a simple metamorphosis.  Young crab spiders hatch from eggs and look like tiny adults.  They shed their skin as they grow.  Most live for less than 1 year.  Females produce hundreds of eggs in the fall, and the offspring hatch in the spring.