As a nature lover and arachnid enthusiast, I’m often struck by how some spiders closely resemble crabs in their appearance and movement. In this article, I’ll showcase 19 of the most commonly found spider species in the US that exhibit crab-like qualities.
Why Do Some Spiders Look Like Crabs?
Several spider families like Thomisidae, Philodromidae, and Selenopidae have evolved crab-like appearances and sideways-scuttling movement as adaptations for their ambush hunting lifestyle Their front pairs of legs are elongated to quickly grab prey while their flattened bodies and ability to walk sideways allow them to hide in flowers and tree bark crevices
19 Spiders That Look and Act Like Crabs
Here are 19 of the most frequently encountered spiders in the U.S. that resemble crabs along with pictures and key identification features
1. Goldenrod Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Misumena vatia
- Can change color from white to yellow to camouflage in flowers.
- Lays ambush on flowers to catch pollinating insects.
2. American Green Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Misumessus oblongus
- Bright neon green color blends into leaves and petals.
- Common in eastern U.S. states like Alabama and Georgia.
3. White-banded Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Misumenoides formosipes
- White line running through the eyes.
- Females can change color, males stay same.
4. Northern Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Mecaphesa asperata
- Found throughout northern U.S. and Canada.
- Red streaks on brown abdomen.
5. Black-banded Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Synema parvulum
- Small red-brown spider with black crescent marking on abdomen.
- Common ambush predator on flowers.
6. Tuberculated Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Tmarus angulatus
- Light brown body covered in bumps and spines.
- Walks sideways on flowerson ambush.
7. Tan Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Xysticus ferox
- Named for tan brown color.
- Long front legs to seize prey.
8. Elegant Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Xysticus elegans
- Medium-sized light brown spider with white spots on abdomen.
- Prefers woodland areas.
9. Swift Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Mecaphesa celer
- Larger species, up to half-inch long.
- Females much bigger than males.
10. Multicolored Bark Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Bassaniana versicolor
- Black body with light brown and ivory patches.
- Camouflages on tree bark.
11. Diaea livens
- Introduced species from Europe.
- Very small, hides in crevices.
- Harmless to humans.
12. Deadly Ground Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Xysticus funestus
- Despite name, not deadly to humans.
- Orange color, bumps on legs.
13. Giant Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Olios giganteus
- Also called Golden Huntsman spider.
- One of largest spiders, up to 6 inches legspan.
14. Huntsman Spider
- Scientific Name: Heteropoda venatoria
- Also called giant crab spider or banana spider.
- Large and fuzzy, camouflages on bark.
15. Oblong Running Spider
- Scientific Name: Tibellus oblongus
- Slender light brown spider with stripes on abdomen.
- Up to 1 inch legspan.
16. Metallic Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Philodromus marxi
- Skinny brown legs, abdomen has rose gold patches.
- Found in tall grass and gardens.
17. Eurasian Running Crab Spider
- Scientific Name: Philodromus dispar
- Females have varied colors and sizes.
- Males shiny black with white edges.
18. Selenops submaculosus
- Family Selenopidae.
- Small and secretive.
- Found in southern U.S.
19. Spinybacked Orbweaver
- Scientific Name: Gasteracantha cancriformis
- Brightly colored females with spiked abdomen.
- Widespread in tropical areas.
Are spiders and crabs closely related?
FAQ
What kind of spider looks like a crab?
Xysticus spp. All crab spiders generally resemble crabs: Their legs extend outward from the sides, and they can walk in any direction. There are several species of crab spiders in the genus Xysticus in Missouri; as a group they are called ground crab spiders.
Is a crab spider poisonous?
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Venomous, but not poisonous to humans:Crab spiders do possess venom, which they use to subdue their prey (insects).
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Bites are generally harmless:Their venom is not strong enough to cause serious harm to humans, and bites are usually mild, causing little more than irritation.
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Rare allergic reactions:In rare cases, some individuals might experience an allergic reaction to a crab spider bite.
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Not aggressive towards humans:Crab spiders are not known to be aggressive towards humans and are not likely to bite unless they feel threatened.
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Beneficial to the ecosystem:Crab spiders are beneficial to the ecosystem as they prey on insects, including those that can spread diseases.
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are commonly considered to be docile and attack only when threatened. Despite its imposing size, the giant crab spider’s bite is not dangerous to humans
Do crab spiders live in the US?
There are over 200 types of crab spiders found throughout the United States. Crab spiders live in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, and wooded areas throughout the Northeastern U.S. Most species are sit-and-wait hunters that stay completely still until their prey comes within reach.
How to get rid of crab spiders?
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Seal Entry Points:Crab spiders can squeeze through tiny cracks, so seal any gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and foundations.
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Reduce Clutter:Eliminate clutter and leaf litter around your property, as these provide hiding spots for spiders.
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Maintain a Clean Environment:Regularly clean your home, especially in areas like attics, basements, and garages, to remove potential food sources and hiding places.
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Inspect Plants:Before bringing plants indoors, inspect them for spiders or eggs.
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Keep Grass Short:Maintain a well-maintained lawn and keep grass near your outdoor entertainment area cut short.
What spiders look like crabs?
There are a number of spiders that look like crabs. They mostly come from certain spider species, such as Thomisidae, Sparassidae, Philodromidae, Selenopidae, and Gasteracantha. Continue reading to find out more about the 19 most common spiders that look like crabs in the United States. 1. Goldenrod Crab Spider Scientific name: Misumena vatia.
What does a spider bite look like?
The appearance of a spider bite can vary depending on the species of spider and individual reactions. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and itching around the bite site. Some bites may have a central blister or a small ulcer. In severe cases, the bite may cause a more extensive wound, with tissue damage or necrosis. If you suspect a spider bite or experience concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly for proper evaluation and treatment.
What are giant crab spiders?
Giant crab spiders are large spiders with long legs. Although they don’t belong to the flower crab spider family, they still possess similar physical characteristics and hunting techniques. Key characteristics of giant crab spiders include:
What colors do crab spiders come in?
Crab spiders may display a variety of colors, such as greenish-yellow or yellow-brown. They have the ability to change their color to blend in with their environment, like the goldenrod crab spider.
What does a northern crab spider look like?
Northern crab spiders can be found throughout Northern America and hunt in flowers that are similar in color to themselves. Their bodies are covered in stiff spines with a white ocular region. The abdomen has red streaks with a brown to red V shape at the posterior half of the abdomen, pointing towards the back. Their legs are yellow. 5.
What does a whitebanded crab spider look like?
The Misumenoides Formosipes, or whitebanded crab spider, is a small spider species characterized by its whitish-yellow or yellowish-brown color. The carapace of the whitebanded crab spider can appear slightly greenish, with a broad pale yellow midband bordered by two darker, thinner yellowish bands on the sides.