Goldenrod Crab Spider
Misumena vatia
The Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia), commonly known as the flower spider, is a striking ambush predator belonging to the crab spider family (Thomisidae). Instead of spinning webs, it waits motionlessly on blossoms with its long front legs spread wide, ready to seize visiting pollinators such as bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. Famous for its remarkable camouflage, the female (7–10 mm, significantly larger than the 3–5 mm male) can reversibly change her body color between white and yellow over several days to match the flower she is hunting on. Widespread across Europe, Asia, and North America, Misumena vatia inhabits sunny meadows, forest edges, and gardens, and is completely harmless to humans.
Group: Arachnids (Arachnida)Red List status: LC • Least Concern