Green Crab Spider
Misumessus oblongus · Arachnid, Invertebrate, Cold-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Family Thomisidae, Order Araneae, Class Arachnida
Animal Category
Insect/Arthropod, Wild Predator
Breed / Variety
Green Crab Spider (Misumessus oblongus)
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated (Least Concern), population appears stable despite habitat conversion in urban areas.
About This Creature
Small, slender spider with a lime-green body color that provides excellent camouflage in grass. It has an elongated abdomen compared to other crab spiders and two pairs of long front legs.
Physical Characteristics
Small body (3-7mm), bright green to yellowish-green coloration, flattened body structure, first two pairs of legs are significantly longer and stouter than the back pairs, eyes arranged in two rows of four.
Behavior & Temperament
Solitary, diurnal ambush predator. It does not spin webs to catch prey but sits motionless on leaves or flowers. Exhibits 'crab-like' sideways movement when threatened.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
North America, commonly found throughout the United States and Southern Canada
Habitat
Grasslands, gardens, and meadows; Terrestrial/Arboreal (typically found on foliage and flowers)
Diet & Nutrition
Carnivore/Insectivore; feeds on small insects like flies, bees, and moths through ambush and venomous subdual.
Lifespan & Health
Typically lives for one year; dies after laying egg sacs in late summer or autumn.
Special Characteristics
Camouflage allows it to hide in plain sight on green vegetation; possesses mild venom designed for insects (harmless to humans); cultural significance as a beneficial garden predator.
Ecological Information
Middle of the food chain; acts as a natural pest control agent by preying on garden insects; serves as food for birds and larger predatory insects.