Colourful hunters

This is Thomisus spectabilis, one of our local Crab spiders that has been relatively abundant lately. It is a flower dweller, and a white and yellow colour morph occur in our area.

Crab spiders belong to the family Thomisidae. These spiders are very diverse in appearance ranging from extremely colourful spiders, to drab cryptic species that resemble bark and lichens. They catch their prey by remaining completely still and waiting until prey strays within the reach of their powerful front limbs. Once grabbed, the prey is bitten and becomes immobile very quickly. Thomisids are able to tackle prey many times larger than themselves.