Goldenrod Crab Spider
Misumena vatia
40.8684, -75.608
Field Notes
Description:
Family: Thomisidae (crab spiders). The largest and best known flower spider in North America. Female. Abdomen size not including legs is .40 inches (10 mm). Bright yellow (may be white too). Can change color from white to yellow in 10-25 days, yellow to white to 6 days. Positions itself mostly on goldenrod to imitate flower and hide to capture prey; a variety of soft-bodied insects. Does not make web.
Habitat:
Meadow with abundant weeds and wild flowers. Range: North America, Europe, Northern Asia.
Notes:
Also known as Banana Spider. Goldenrod - Solidago sp. (Spotted Summer 2012)
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedMarch 13, 2013
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