Best time to see: Apr to end Sep
Key facts
Crab spiders have rounded bodies and long curving front legs, hence their name
Do not spin webs but sit on flower heads, waiting for prey to land looking for nectar
Common in southern England
Recognition
This species is white all over with red markings
Usually found on yellow or white flowers, changing their colour to match the background
As is usual in spiders, the male is smaller than the female: the female 9-11mm long and the male 3-4mm
Lifecycle
Mating begins with a courtship dance in which the pair touch legs, and when they feel safe they mate
The female then waits with the egg sac until she dies
© Tony Gunton
© Tony Gunton