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whitebanded crab spider
whitebanded crab spider (Misumenoides formosipes) [female]
Photo © Hank Guarisco
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
The female is about one-fourth to slightly less than one-half inch in total body length. The male is about one-tenth of an inch long. The “whitebanded” name comes from a ridge of light color that can be seen above the mouth. The cephalothorax of the female is light in the center and darker, often with a green cast, on the sides. The cephalothorax is usually either white, yellow or pink. The abdomen has dark marks that may appear in a variety of patterns. The legs may be dark near the joints. The male’s cephalothorax can be green, brown, yellow or orange. His abdomen is often yellow or orange. His front legs are long and dark.
BEHAVIORS
This species is found statewide. It is usually present in fields or field edges. It waits at flowers for prey items to arrive. Adults are active from summer through September.
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Family: Thomisidae
Illinois Status: common, native
