Crab Spider

Description:

Xysticus are dark brown or reddish-brown crab spiders often encountered on weeds or trees. While similar to the 'flower spiders', they tend to have shorter, sturdier legs. Many, but not all, species have abdomens more patterned than most Thomisus species, rather like some of the Synema species. Some however, that are more terrestrial, resemble earth in colour and texture.

Habitat:

X. cristatus occurs in almost every habitat type, but is shade intolerant and rare in woodlands and closed canopy habitats. Large numbers can be found in grasslands and habitats which have undergone some degree of disturbance such as quarries and agricultural fields. In grasslands, this spider exploits a flexible hunting position either at the tips of vegetation or on the ground surface. As a consequence, the diet is extremely varied and comprises flying insects, including bees and butterflies, when positioned in flower-heads, or ants, spiders and other soft bodied prey when ambushing prey on the ground (Nyffeler & Breene 1990). Immatures have been found ballooning, particularly between the months of July to September (Freeman 1946). Adults have been recorded from February to December, with a male activity peak in May and June (Merrett 1967; Bell 1999).

Notes:

The species is widespread throughout most of Britain. It is widespread in western and central Europe.