What is Crab spider?
{{Taxobox | name = Crab spiders | image = Crab Spider on a pink flower - Volta Region, Ghana.jpg | image_width = 250px | image_caption = Camouflaged crab spider on a violet flower | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Arthropoda]] | classis = [[Arachnida]] | ordo = [[Araneae]] | familia = '''Thomisidae''' | range_map = Distribution.thomisidae.1.png | range_map_width = 250px }} '''Crab spiders''' are the ''Thomisidae'' family of [[spider]]s. The group has 170 [[genera]] with over 2000 [[species]]. They have two front pairs of legs angled outward and bodies that are flattened and often angular. Also, like crabs, Thomisidae spiders can move sideways or backwards. Crab spiders are [[hunter]]s and [[ambush]]ers. Some species sit on or among flowers, bark, fruit or leaves where they grab visiting insects. Crab spiders use their powerful front legs to grab and hold onto prey while [[Paralysis|paralyzing]] it with a [[Venom (poison)|venomous]] bite. They are [[camouflage]]d: several different types are known.<ref>Platnick, Norman I. 2010. [http://research.amnh.org/entomology/spiders/catalog/THOMISIDAE.html The world spider catalog], version 10.5. ''American Museum of Natural History''.</ref> Even at a close range, it is difficult to see the spider. Some [[species]] are [[wikt:disguise|disguised]] as [[bird]]s' droppings resting on a [[leaf]]. Crab spiders live in [[rainforest]]s all over the world. They get their name from the way they scuttle around like small [[crab]]s.<ref>{{cite book|title=Jungle Animals: over 100 questions and answers to things you want to know |last=Ganeri|first=Anita|year=2000|publisher=|location=Dubai, U.A.E|isbn=0-75254-909-X}}</ref> ==Images== <gallery> File:The butterfly which was caught by a Crab spider.jpg|Crab spider's yellow legs can be seen; it has grabbed the butterfly. File:Twin lantana camara edit.jpg|A crab spider hiding in the Twin Lantana File:Araneomorphae.jpg|Crab spider with fly prey </gallery> == References == {{reflist}} {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Araneomorphae]]