Many members are also known as flower spiders or flower crab spiders because they usually camouflage with the flowers they live around and use to hunt.
They do not spin webs, instead hiding and ambushing their prey. Because their front legs are larger than the rest of their legs, they usually walk sideways or backwards hence the crab name. They also use these large legs to grab and hold their prey while they administer their venomous bite. Fortunately, they are not harmful to humans.
Some spiders in this family can change color over the course of a few days to match their chosen flower.
Their strategies as hunters seem to be varied as some hunt on and around flowers, others frequent leaves or bark, while others still mimic bird droppings while they wait. Some also hide in crevices in tree bark and come out to hunt at night.
Depending on species, females can be anywhere from twice the male's size to a whopping 60 times as massive! Their larger size helps females catch larger prey and they usually remain quite stationary. Males tend to travel more and find the females in order to mate.
I just find this family fascinating and want to learn more about them. It's extra fun for me because I never expect to see them. They just show up on the plants that I'm examining and I get to take their picture before they continue on with their lives. Below are the three species I've seen personally although I don't know what they are other than their family. I hope you enjoyed your stay!
Yours,
Jade
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