Some spiders have evolved body shapes and movements that closely resemble those of other arthropods, particularly those with sideways gaits. Their front legs are often elongated and extend outward, giving them a wide, flattened appearance that enhances their crab-like resemblance. This body structure is an adaptation that aids in both camouflage and hunting.
These spiders are often ambush predators, relying on stealth and stillness rather than webs. They wait patiently on flowers, leaves, or bark for unsuspecting prey to come near. When it does, they lunge forward using their strong front legs to grasp the target quickly and efficiently.
Coloration plays a vital role in their survival. Some are able to match their surroundings perfectly—whether that’s the bright yellow of a flower or the dull gray of tree bark. Their ability to blend in allows them to stay hidden from both predators and prey alike.
Their movements further add to the illusion. Instead of moving forward like most spiders, they can scuttle sideways or even backward, enhancing the visual comparison to crabs. This lateral motion allows them to reposition themselves without exposing their soft underbodies.
They are found in a wide variety of habitats, from forests and meadows to deserts and gardens. Their adaptability and cryptic forms make them one of the more fascinating examples of mimicry in the arachnid world.
These crab-like traits aren’t just for show—they serve practical purposes in predation, defense, and communication. The structural adaptations have developed over time through natural selection, giving these spiders a unique place in their ecosystems.
Spiders That Look Like Crabs
Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia)
This spider is well known for its ability to change color between white and yellow to blend in with flowers. It holds its front legs wide apart like a crab and moves sideways. Found commonly in North America, especially in gardens and meadows, it often sits on goldenrod and daisies waiting to ambush pollinators like bees.
Northern Crab Spider (Mecaphesa asperata)
A small, hairy crab spider often found on flower heads. It features spiny legs and a flattened body with pale coloration and faint stripes. Commonly found across the U.S., it uses ambush tactics, grabbing insects with its long front legs.
White-banded Crab Spider (Misumenoides formosipes)
Recognizable by the white band running across its eye region, this spider is often found on white or pink flowers. It has a crab-like stance and wide, flat body. It is widespread in the eastern United States and waits for prey like butterflies and bees.
Spinybacked Orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis)
Often mistaken for a crab due to its flat, spiny body and bright colors. Despite being an orb-weaver, its odd shape and crab-like profile make it stand out. Found from the southeastern U.S. to Central America, it weaves circular webs in gardens and forests.
Running Crab Spider (Philodromus spp.)
These agile spiders have flattened bodies and long legs angled sideways. They resemble both crabs and crab spiders and are fast runners. Found on tree bark, leaves, or walls across temperate zones in Europe and North America.
Ground Crab Spider (Xysticus spp.)
A robust spider often found on the ground or low vegetation, with a mottled brown body perfect for camouflage. It moves sideways and holds its legs in a crab-like posture. Found widely across North America and Europe, it hunts by ambush.
Broad-faced Sac Spider (Trachelas tranquillus)
While not a true crab spider, it has a stout body and thick front legs giving it a crab-like appearance. It is reddish brown with a darker abdomen and is commonly found in homes, under bark, and in foliage in the eastern United States.
Crablike Roving Spider (Platorish gelu)
Native to parts of Asia, this spider resembles a crab in its flattened body and extended leg posture. It prefers forested and rocky areas, often hiding under stones. It’s elusive and primarily nocturnal.
Australian Crab Spider (Thomisus spectabilis)
This spider has a white, wide body with pink markings and is known for sitting on daisy flowers to catch bees. Its long front legs and sideward movement are crab-like. Common in gardens and fields across eastern Australia.
Floral Crab Spider (Thomisus onustus)
Found throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, this spider has color-changing abilities and a flattened body. It waits on flowers for prey and spreads its legs in a crab-like manner, often blending in with petals.
Bark Crab Spider (Bassaniodes robustus)
This European species is heavily camouflaged to match tree bark. It is broad-bodied, with short, strong legs used to grab prey on trees. It looks like a small crab clinging to bark or lichen-covered surfaces.
Giant Crab Spider (Olios giganteus)
This large, fast spider has long legs and a body shape that can resemble a crab, especially when flattened. Found in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, it often lives under rocks or tree bark and is a nocturnal hunter.
Japanese Crab Spider (Thomisus labefactus)
This crab spider species from East Asia has a bright body that can vary from yellow to greenish-white. It spreads its long front legs wide and lies in wait on flowers, similar to a crab’s posture. It is commonly seen in Japanese fields and forest edges.
Little Crab Spider (Ebo spp.)
Members of this genus are small, fast-moving spiders found mostly in grassy habitats in North America. They hold their legs crab-style and often dash sideways. Their coloration blends well with dry grass, and they’re active hunters rather than web builders.
Velvet Crab Spider (Stephanopis altifrons)
Native to Australia, this spider has a remarkably flattened body and cryptic coloration that mimics lichen or tree bark. Its crab-like movements and posture make it nearly indistinguishable from its surroundings. It lives on eucalyptus trunks and rocky crevices.
Shield Crab Spider (Synema globosum)
Common in Europe and parts of Asia, this species has a rounded, shield-like abdomen and bold coloration, often black and red or yellow. Though small, its crab-like stance and flattened body help it blend in on flower heads.
Twospot Crab Spider (Xysticus bimaculatus)
A ground-dwelling spider with distinctive dark spots on its back and a brown camouflage body. It is found across North America and mimics both dried leaves and soil. Its flattened stance and sideways movements enhance its crab-like appearance.
Thick-legged Crab Spider (Runcinia grammica)
This spider is characterized by robust, spiny front legs and a sleek, crabby build. It is active during the day and prefers grassy areas and flowers. Native to Europe, it has also been recorded in other temperate regions.
Desert Crab Spider (Bassaniana spp.)
Found in arid or semi-arid parts of North America, this spider stays low to the ground and resembles sand or rock textures. Its legs are angled outward, and it walks with a distinctive sideways gait.
Marbled Crab Spider (Thomisus graniferus)
This species is named for its marbled body pattern and flat crab-like build. It lives in shrubs, flowers, and grasslands in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in Southeast Asia and parts of Australia.
Dusky Crab Spider (Bassaniodes tenebrosus)
A dark brown to black spider often found in shady, forested areas across Europe. Its compact body, wide stance, and sideways movement make it resemble a miniature crab nestled in bark crevices or leaf litter.
Asian Flat Crab Spider (Platythomisus spp.)
This rare spider has a broad, flattened body and brightly colored markings. Native to Southeast Asia, it often lives in rainforests, hiding under leaves or bark. It is not well-studied, but its morphology is distinctly crab-like.
Green Crab Spider (Diaea dorsata)
Small and green, this spider blends perfectly with leaves. Found across Europe and temperate parts of Asia, it has a flat body, short legs, and rests in a sideways-crab posture on the undersides of foliage.
Painted Crab Spider (Thomisus decorus)
This species is named for its elaborate and colorful markings. It inhabits flowers and grasslands in tropical Africa and Asia. It uses its long front legs to ambush prey while staying still, just like a crab ready to pounce.