| Crab Spider - Synema sp. |
 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. |
| There are several types of spiders that are commonly called "crab spiders." Most of the common Crab Spiders found in Kentucky are in the family Thomisidae. They tend to have a flat shape compared to other spiders, and their front 2 pairs of legs are typically very long compared to the back 2 pairs. Thomisid crab spiders hold their front legs out and up, like the way a crab holds its claws. Many thomisid crab spiders have bright, "neon" colors like yellow, green, and orange. Others are dark colored with gray and brown patterns. Running Crab Spiders belong to the family Philodromidae. They tend to be less colorful than crab spiders in the family Thomisidae. All crab spiders have 8 eyes. Like all spiders, crab spiders have 8 legs, 2 body parts, and fang-like mouthparts called "chelicerae." 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 crab spiders live for less than 1 year. Female produce hundreds of eggs in the fall, and the offspring hatch in the spring. Most crab spiders and running crab spiders do not use silk to capture prey. Instead, they are ambush predators: they wait motionless on flowers, leaves, and other strategic spots for flies, bees, and other prey. Many crab spider species, especially in the family Thomisidae, have the same bright colors of the flowers on which they sit. Others have drab colors that camouflage well with bark or soil. Crab spiders are able to walk forwards, backwards, and sideways with ease. |
