Fun Flower Crab Spider Facts For Kids

The flower crab spider is a type of spider which is also known as Misumena vatia and is similar in appearance as compared to the other genera in the family. Misumena vatia are very tiny in size and cannot be seen very quickly – thanks to their ability to camouflage. Flower spiders have the ability to change their color from white and yellow in order to match the color and contrast of the flowers on which they are sitting. The change in color though is not instant and takes a few days. The alternate name for this species is the goldenrod crab spider.

Here are some of the most interesting facts about the goldenrod spider which will surely intrigue you. Afterwards, do check our other articles on orb-weaver spider and green lynx spider.

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What type of animal is a flower crab spider?

The flower crab spider is a type of spider from the family Thomisidae which is very small in size as compared to the other species. Goldenrod crab spiders are often found on flowers and they can change the color accordingly.

What class of animal does a flower crab spider belong to?

Flower crab spiders belong to the class of Arachnida which means they are a class of joint-legged invertebrates animals that form webs on objects.

How many flower crab spiders are there in the world?

There is no accurate number so as to how many flower crab spiders are there in the world. The number of flower crab spiders keeps changing based on different factors which determine their lifespan as well as their population.

Where does a flower crab spider live?

Flower crab spiders are found in North America and Europe. A flower mimic crab spider would prefer to live in temperate climates generally in forest biomes. They can also be found on different plants, as well as, flowers.

What is a flower crab spider's habitat?

Flower crab spiders' habitat includes temperate climates, forest biomes, different plants, as well as, flowers. Flower crab spiders are attracted to the fragrance of the flowers which help them in choosing their territory. They usually prefer to live in a small home.

Who do flower crab spiders live with?

Flower crab spiders usually prefer to live alone rather than staying in groups. They come together only during the time of their mating with the other partner. Other species of crab spiders can be found all over the world.

How long does a flower crab spider live?

Flower crab spiders live for one to two years in the wild which also depends on the species, as well as, the type of habitat. The tropical species have a longer lifespan.

How do they reproduce?

The mating process of flower crab spiders is said to be different. When the male flower crab spider finds a mate – he climbs over her head, over her opisthosoma, and then onto her underside. Then the male inserts his pedipalps in order to inseminate her. The mating of the male and the female then lasts for an average of four minutes. After the mating process is over, the female lays a sac of eggs under a leaf. The female takes care of the eggs till they hatch in three weeks. The female dies after the eggs hatch.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of flower crab spiders has been listed as Not Extinct, indicating that at present the population of these spiders is under no serious threat.

What do flower crab spiders look like?

Flower crab spiders are also known as Misumena vatia and they are also called goldenrod crab spider. They are known as crab spiders because of their ability to walk sideways, as well as, forward and backward. Flower crab spiders have the capability to change their color from white to yellow in order to match the color of the flower that they are sitting on.

How cute are they?

Flower crab spiders are not cute in their appearance. Their face looks very different as compared to the other species and are rather considered intimidating in appearance.

How do they communicate?

The process of how flower crab spiders communicate has not been well documented. It is believed that these insects communicate using sight, smell, and touch.

How big is a flower crab spider?

Flower crab spiders are very small in size as compared to the other species that are only found in North America and Europe. Their average size range is 0.2-0.39 in (5-10 mm).

How fast can flower crab spiders move?

There is no accurate speed so as to how fast a flower crab spider can move. They move quickly when they see their predator approaching them.

How much does a flower crab spider weigh?

Flower crab spiders weigh around 0.00014 oz (0.003 g) as they are very small in size.

What are the male and female names of the species?

There is no specific name for the male and female species of flower crab spiders. They are known as male flower crab spiders and female flower crab spiders.

What would you call a baby flower crab spider?

There is no specific name for a baby flower crab spider. Hence, it is known as a young flower crab spider.

What do they eat?

Flower crab spiders generally feed on invertebrates. They either hunt on the ground or on the plants and attack insects that are bigger in size because of their venom. Some flower crab spiders feed on butterflies, grasshoppers, and flies, and bees as well.

Are they poisonous?

Yes, flower crab spiders are poisonous as they possess venom and have small mouthparts which are too small to pierce human skin. The bite of flower crab spiders causes mild pain and has no lasting side effects.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, flower crab spiders can be kept as pets in the house for children and beginners.

Did you know...

These crab spiders have eight eyes and the ability to see in all directions. Male flower crab spiders have bodies that are more slender and legs that are longer. The name of the flower crab spider is given to them because of the crab-like shape of the body and the ability of the spiders to walk sideways. Flower crab spiders are diurnal.

What do flower crab spiders do?

Flower crab spiders have the ability to change their color from white to yellow to match with the color of the flower that they are sitting on. They are named flower crab spiders because of their unique ability to walk sideways as well as forward and backward. Flower spiders change their color based on their surroundings.

Flower crab spider bites

The bite of flower crab spiders is not dangerous. Flower crab spiders have venom that is powerful enough to kill the preys that are much bigger in size than them. The venom of flower crab spiders is not dangerous to human beings, their bite is too small to break the skin.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these whip spider facts and southern house spider facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable flower crab spider coloring pages.