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Gasteracantha cancriformis
The 6 spiny abdominal protrusions are characteristic of this small spider. Some have black spines rather than red. There are other common names: Jewel Box Spider or Smiley Face Spider are favorites. Not a crab spider, but one can see why they are often misnamed as such.
Found in my backyard: Siesta Key, Sarasota FL
Spotted on Dec 29, 2013
Submitted on Dec 29, 2013
4 Comments
The ones in Hawaii are said to make a painful bite; how about this one?
Thanks Maria & Mark
Nice one!
It makes all our local spiders look very ordinary.