Thomisus spectabilis

Thomisus spectabilisWhite Crab Spider and the Honey Bee White Crab Spider Prey

The White Crab Spider (Thomisus spectabilis), belonging to a group of commonly named Flower Crab Spiders, this species is also known as the Australian Crab Spider and the Spectacular Crab Spider.

The eyes of the Thomisus spectabilis are on what looks like a band across its head (resembling a mask). Their abdomen have a pentagon shape and two small bumps across it. Their stout legs are arranged similarly to a crab.

The body length of the female is up to 10 mm (the legs can add up to 3 cm in overall size), whilst the body length of the male is usually smaller at about 6 mm. Whilst the male of the species demonstrates “sexual dimorphism”, being a different colour, shape and smaller then the female, it may not be out of the ordinary to find on occasion a large male (as witnessed in other species of spiders such as the Golden Orb Weaver “dimorphic male”).

White Crab Spider (Thomisus spectabilis), Brisbane QLD © Stefan Jones — White Crab Spider (*Thomisus spectabilis*), Brisbane QLD © Stefan Jones

Thomisus spectabilis are usually white or yellow, being able to change between these colours, which aids them when stalking prey on flowers of a similar colour or just to hide from predators.

As they do not have webs, the White Crab Spider hides on the flowers, and like other Flower Crab Spiders, wait to ambush and chase insects seeking nectar, that include bees and butterflies.

The Thomisus spectabilis are a known venomous species and are said to be more aggressive than most spider species. Whilst their bites are not necessarily lethal, they can lead to mild symptoms like localised pain.

The White Crab Spider are mainly found in eastern Australia, although they are found throughout Australia. They are common in suburban areas, especially in gardens.