Mini ambush hunters

Both these tiny spiders are hunting in our front yard. The yellow crab spider (Thomisus spectabilis) is a flower-top hunter. This species waits in ambush for flower-loving insects. They can catch prey up to the size of a honeybee, many times their own size.

Crab spider, Thomisus spectabilis. Crab spiders are so called because of their ability to move sideways.

The Triangular spider (Arkys sp.) is another ambush hunter which sits and waits upon leaves for passing prey. Although these two spiders are unrelated, they both share similar adaptations to assist them to snatch and hold their prey.

Triangular spider, Arkys lancearius