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Misumena Vatia
It uses its small fangs to inject its prey with venom, which immobilizes its prey. It does not wrap its prey with silk but instead holds it's prey until it sucks all of its bodily fluids dry.
foothills
These bees are frequent visitors of this plant. The crab spiders are so well camouflaged that they are almost invisible. The front two legs of the spider are very strong . They usually take the bee down by it's neck.
Spotted on Aug 16, 2016
Submitted on Aug 16, 2016
15 Comments
I would think the venom would knock them out rather quickly. A terrifying experience until then.
Thanks Ashutosh!
Nice one !
Thank you so much, Neil.This strip of the hike has an abundance of gum plants and tons of these spiders .The sweat and the leaf cutting bees are abundant too and frequent this flower.it is a continuous prey and predator event. Will never know how painful it is for the bee.
Great series, Hema. The spider is frowning in the first photo. She's serious!
True Jim,it is surprising. i saw one today struggling to get a grasp on the sweat bee which was 4 times its size. it deed succeed in envenoming it with its fangs.The bee kept falling down several times! i finally lifted it and placed it in the middle of the flower!!
Seems to be a sweat bee. Waiting for Bug guide to confirm.
Thnx Maple moth and christine
Thanks Pollila
Thanks s o much for your kind words Triggs! Both the bee and crab are fascinating creatures.
Great images and fascinating series Hema.
Thnx Jim. These bees are frequent visitors of this plant. The crab spiders are so well camouflaged that they are almost invisible. The front two legs of the spider are very strong . They usually take the bee down by it's neck.
Nice spotting, Hema...I was surprised to see this spider taking on a bee.
Thanks, Felix.
Nice pics and interesting description.