Misumenoides

The Misumenoides is a big group in the crab spider family with over 30 different kinds. Many live in parts of South America. One famous type is the white-banded crab spider or Misumenoides formosipes. In this post, we’re going to share fun facts about them.

Scientific Classification

• Family: Thomisidae
• Genus: Misumenoides

Spiders Belonging to this Genus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

• Size: Female spiders are around 0.20-0.60 inches (0.50-1.5 cm) and males are 0.10-0.15 inches (0.25-0.38 cm).
• Color: The males and females have a difference in color and pattern that vary from one species to another. In the white-banded crab spider, the males have a golden abdomen and dark brown legs. Whereas, for the females, the color changes from white to yellow based on their surroundings.
• Other Characteristic Features: The white-banded crab spider has a white line intersecting their eyes’ plane. Simultaneously, the goldenrod crab spider has a ‘v’ marking on its back and a mask covering its eyes.

Eggs

Like most other spiders, in this genus, too the females make an egg sac, the color, and shape of which differ from one species to the other. The white-banded crab spider has a white, lens-shaped sac.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings survive on their own and reach maturity.

The Web

They do not make webs but hide near flowers, waiting to capture their prey.

Are Misumenoides Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Misumenoides spiders have venom. But it’s mostly for catching their small prey. People usually don’t need to worry about it.

Can Misumenoides Spiders Bite?

They can bite if they feel threatened. The bite might be a bit itchy or sore for a short time, but it’s not harmful to most people.

Quick Facts

Distribution	America
Habitat	Probably flowers and gardens
Diet	Honeybees and skipper butterflies
Lifespan	1-3 years

Did You Know

• The earliest time when a species Misumenoides formosipes of this genus was identified goes back to 1837.

Image Source: Live.staticflickr.com