May 6, 2011

Crab spider


Flower crab spiders sit in wait on a flower to catch insects.


Here one of the two most conspicuous species, a Thomisus onustus on a Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis). When it has chosen its flower it can sit here for days, its large front paws opened to 'receive' its prey: every day a fresh one. Because it does not flee but sits motionless it is easy to photograph.