Knowra Thomisidae Thomisidae Thomisidae is a family of spiders commonly called crab spiders. Its members often move sideways and ambush prey from flowers, foliage, or other surfaces.
Ambush predation : A hunting strategy in which a predator waits concealed or motionless before attacking passing prey. Many thomisids hold position on plants and seize prey that approaches.
Araneae : The order of arachnids comprising spiders, characterized by silk-producing spinnerets and fang-bearing chelicerae. Thomisidae belongs to this order of silk-producing arachnids.
Biological pest control : The use of living organisms to suppress pest populations. By eating insects, crab spiders can contribute to natural control of crop pests.
Misumena vatia : A crab spider species in which females can change color between white and yellow over time. Its flower-dwelling females exemplify ambush hunting and color matching.
Salticidae : The jumping spider family, known for acute vision and active stalking or leaping at prey. Salticids usually pursue prey actively, unlike thomisids that often wait in ambush.
Spider silk : Protein fibers produced by spiders for uses including web construction, prey capture, and safety lines. Crab spiders use silk for draglines and egg sacs, rather than relying on capture webs.
Araneomorphae : The largest spider infraorder, whose members generally have opposing fangs that cross when closed. Thomisids are araneomorph spiders.
Pollination : The transfer of pollen from an anther to a receptive stigma, enabling plant fertilization. Crab spiders on flowers may affect visits by pollinators and the insects they prey upon.
Thomisus onustus : A crab spider species found in parts of Europe and Asia, often associated with flowers. Its variable coloration provides a well-known example of floral camouflage.
Araneidae : The orb-weaver family, whose members commonly build circular capture webs. Orb weavers catch prey in webs; thomisids generally seize prey directly.
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