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Shrub meadow near Coleman (Oconto County), WI

9 August 2000

Robert W. Howe, Cofrin Arboretum Center for Biodiversity

Olympus CL 2500L digital camera

Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) on Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum)

Crab spiders in the family Thomisidae have a worldwide distribution, with about 125 species in the United States. They do not spin webs, but hide in places like these flowers where they wait to ambush their prey. Bees and flies are common victims. Like crabs, spiders in this family can walk sideways or backward.

More information on spiders

Biodiversity Topics: Introduction . Plants . Animals . Mammals . Birds . Reptiles & Amphibians . Arthropods . Spiders . Insects

© 2001-2004 The Cofrin Center for Biodiversity and the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, All Rights Reserved
Last updated on March 26, 2008