Flower Crab Spider

Description:

This spider's presence in the Philippines is confirmed in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomisus... The same Wiki article also mentions "Not all species are flower-dwelling, but among those that are, at least some species can change their colour over a period of some days to match the flower colour."

Habitat:

Spotted in the farm on Tropical Whiteweed (Ageratum conyzoides Linn.). Plant identification from - http://stuartxchange.com/Bulak.html...

Notes:

I have mentioned, in some of my recent spottings, that most of the grasses and shrubs in the farm are dying because of the rather severe dry season we are experiencing this year. The Tropical Whiteweed (a very hardy perennial shrub) is usually a survivor, in such harsh conditions, but it is now beginning to die. Trees and Bamboos, the roots of which can reach the water table, are rapidly becoming an alternative habitat for many small creatures which usually prefer grasses. On Sunday, April 28th., the temperature in our area was recorded (by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) agency of the Philippines) as 53 degrees Celcius (127 degrees Fahrenheit). The rains need to arrive soon.