White Banded Crab (Misumenoides formosipes)

Did you know there are spiders called White banded crab spiders? They’re part of a big family named Thomisidae. These spiders live in the United States and Canada. Their name comes from the white line near their face, just below their eyes.

Scientific Classification

• Family: Thomisidae
• Genus: Misumenoides
• Scientific name: Misumenoides formosipes

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

• Size: The females with a body length of 0.20 – 0.44 inches (5.0 – 11.3 mm) are larger than their male counterparts that are 0.10 – 0.13 inches (2.5 – 3.2 mm) long.

• Color: The color is different in both sexes. The females may have a light brown, yellow, or white body, with brown, black, or red abdominal markings (though absent in some). The males are mostly shiny red, green, or yellow, with black or dark brown front legs, and yellow or green hind legs, as well as a golden-colored abdomen. While the female has a variable color pattern, which changes at different stages of their life cycle, with the surroundings they are in, the males remain the same throughout. Both sexes have a white facial band, as mentioned above.
• Other Characteristic Features: They have a wide abdomen that seems round or triangular when seen from above. Like most other species of their family, the first and second pairs of their legs are longer than the third and fourth.

Eggs

Their egg sac is white, lens-shaped, with a diameter of 0.39 – 0.55 inches (10 – 14 mm), containing 80 – 180 tan-colored eggs.

Spiderlings

Not much detail remains available about the spiderlings, but for the fact that they closely resemble adults after hatching.

The Web

Like other crab spider species, this one too does not spin webs but waits for their prey by hiding inside a flower.

Are White Banded Crab Spiders Venomous?

Yes, White Banded Crab spiders have venom. But for humans, it’s typically not harmful.

Can White Banded Crab Spiders Bite?

Yes, White Banded Crab spiders can bite. They might if they’re scared, but the bite usually doesn’t hurt much, like a tiny pinch.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of White Banded Crab Spider

These spiders are important for controlling insect populations, including mites, butterflies, and honeybees. Their ability to camouflage within flowers not only serves as a hunting tactic but also aids in avoiding detection by predators.

Natural Predators: White Banded Crab Spiders face predation from ants, wasps, birds, and lizards. These interactions highlight their role as both predators and prey within their ecosystems.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Their venom allows them to immobilize prey quickly, an adaptation that ensures their survival as effective hunters among flowers.

Relationship with Humans: Interactions between humans and White Banded Crab Spiders are minimal. While they are capable of biting, such instances are rare and typically result in minimal discomfort, similar to a light pinch.

Quick Facts

Did You Know

• The white banded crab spider, particularly the females, can camouflage by changing their color (white to yellow) in accordance with the flower they are sitting on waiting for their prey. 
• Their white or yellow ridge on the face gives them the name ridge-faced flower spider.

In conclusion, White Banded Crab Spiders are not just captivating creatures due to their color-changing abilities but also play a significant role in the natural pest control of their habitats.