Best time to see: late Mar to end Aug
Key facts
Crab spiders are crab-shaped, and also sometimes behave like crabs; they are ambush predators
This species sits both on vegetation such as flower heads and on the ground, waiting for prey to come within reach
Widespread across Britain and in western and central Europe
Recognition
Female is buff-coloured with brown markings, up to 8mm in length
Male is smaller, up to 6mm, and darker in colour
Usually sit with forelegs spread wide, like crabs
Lifecycle
The male grabs hold of the female by a leg, ties her down to the ground with threads of silk, then crawls under her to mate
After mating the female lays eggs and encloses them in a protective cocoon, and stands guard over them until they hatch
© Tony Gunton