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Green Crab (Misumessus oblongus)

Did you know there’s a spider called the green crab spider? It’s part of the crab spiders family and can be found in places like the United States and Canada. Stick around, and we’ll share some interesting facts about this colorful little creature!

Scientific Classification

Green Crab

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Females are 0.12 -0.27 in (0.30-0.68 cm) and males are half the size of the females. Females are 0.12 – 0.27 inches (0.30-0.68 cm), while males are half their size.
  • Color: They have a light or emerald green body, with red bands on both sides of their abdomen, that might or might not be present.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The abdomen appears slender with a kite-like or diamond pattern.
Green Crab Spider Female

Eggs

A female green crab spider lays eggs in silk sacs protecting them as long as she lives, since most of them die before the spiderlings hatch.

Green Crab Spider Egg Sac

Photo Credit: Tom Murray

Spiderlings

After overwintering, the eggs hatch in the following spring.

The Web

Green crab spiders do not make webs to catch prey. Both sexes spin silk for different purposes. The males cover their mate with silk whose size could be double theirs. Whereas, the female green crab spiders use it to make the sac for laying eggs.

Are Green Crab Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Green Crab Spiders are venomous. They use their venom to catch tiny insects to eat, but it’s not very harmful to humans.

Can Green Crab Spiders Bite?

Yes, Green Crab Spiders can bite. They’re usually busy hunting bugs, but if they do bite, it’s just a little pinch and not harmful for most of us.

Green Crab Spider Picture

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Green Crab Spider

Green crab spiders play a vital role in controlling insect populations, contributing to a balanced ecosystem. They are known for their ambush predation strategy, patiently waiting for prey to come close before striking with speed and precision.

Natural Predators: Various predators such as birds, larger spiders, ants, wasps, and lizards prey on the green crab spider. Their cryptic coloration and ability to remain motionless make them less conspicuous to these threats.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The interaction between green crab spiders and their prey and predators reflects the complex balance of nature. They are both hunters and hunted, showcasing the cyclical nature of life in their habitats.

Relationship with Humans: Green crab spiders, with their preference for habitats close to human dwellings, have a unique relationship with us. They assist in managing pest populations, yet their presence is often unnoticed due to their camouflage and reclusive nature.

Quick Facts

DistributionAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina
HabitatGrasslands, woodlands, backyards of the house, garages
DietSmaller spiders, moths, centipedes, millipedes and insects
LifespanAround 1 year
PredatorsBirds, bigger spiders, ants, wasps, and lizards
IUCN Conservation StatusNot Listed
Green Crab Spider

Did You Know

  • The females of this species, with their green bodies, and flat, elongated stature, perfectly camouflage the grass they inhabit.

In summary, the green crab spider is a small, venomous arachnid with a unique appearance and behavior, playing a crucial role in natural pest control within its habitat while exhibiting fascinating survival strategies.

Did you know there’s a spider called the green crab spider? It’s part of the crab spiders family and can be found in places like the United States and Canada. Stick around, and we’ll share some interesting facts about this colorful little creature!

Green Crab

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Females are 0.12 -0.27 in (0.30-0.68 cm) and males are half the size of the females. Females are 0.12 – 0.27 inches (0.30-0.68 cm), while males are half their size.
  • Color: They have a light or emerald green body, with red bands on both sides of their abdomen, that might or might not be present.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The abdomen appears slender with a kite-like or diamond pattern.
Green Crab Spider Female

Eggs

A female green crab spider lays eggs in silk sacs protecting them as long as she lives, since most of them die before the spiderlings hatch.

Green Crab Spider Egg Sac

Photo Credit: Tom Murray

Spiderlings

After overwintering, the eggs hatch in the following spring.

The Web

Green crab spiders do not make webs to catch prey. Both sexes spin silk for different purposes. The males cover their mate with silk whose size could be double theirs. Whereas, the female green crab spiders use it to make the sac for laying eggs.

Are Green Crab Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Green Crab Spiders are venomous. They use their venom to catch tiny insects to eat, but it’s not very harmful to humans.

Can Green Crab Spiders Bite?

Yes, Green Crab Spiders can bite. They’re usually busy hunting bugs, but if they do bite, it’s just a little pinch and not harmful for most of us.

Green Crab Spider Picture

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Green Crab Spider

Green crab spiders play a vital role in controlling insect populations, contributing to a balanced ecosystem. They are known for their ambush predation strategy, patiently waiting for prey to come close before striking with speed and precision.

Natural Predators: Various predators such as birds, larger spiders, ants, wasps, and lizards prey on the green crab spider. Their cryptic coloration and ability to remain motionless make them less conspicuous to these threats.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The interaction between green crab spiders and their prey and predators reflects the complex balance of nature. They are both hunters and hunted, showcasing the cyclical nature of life in their habitats.

Relationship with Humans: Green crab spiders, with their preference for habitats close to human dwellings, have a unique relationship with us. They assist in managing pest populations, yet their presence is often unnoticed due to their camouflage and reclusive nature.

Quick Facts

DistributionAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina
HabitatGrasslands, woodlands, backyards of the house, garages
DietSmaller spiders, moths, centipedes, millipedes and insects
LifespanAround 1 year
PredatorsBirds, bigger spiders, ants, wasps, and lizards
IUCN Conservation StatusNot Listed
Green Crab Spider

Did You Know

  • The females of this species, with their green bodies, and flat, elongated stature, perfectly camouflage the grass they inhabit.

In summary, the green crab spider is a small, venomous arachnid with a unique appearance and behavior, playing a crucial role in natural pest control within its habitat while exhibiting fascinating survival strategies.