Interesting spider photo

KarenS · #1 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 07:51 PM

Hello, I thought I would share this interesting shot of the spider my boyfriend and I spotted this weekend. Also, we do not know what it is? Thankyou

ron1863 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 07:53 PM

Lovely shot, I don't know what the Spider variety is but the prey is a Hover Fly.

Meta menardi · #3 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 07:59 PM

Misumena vatia. I sob with envy, we don't get them ooop North.

Action_Man · #4 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 08:14 PM

Yes another southern softie

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wild sam · #5 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 08:19 PM

is the spider not a flower crab spider, i think thts what they are called lol

Geoff F · #6 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 09:19 PM

Yes that is another common name for Misumena vatia, they also come in a variety of colours. White and yellow forms are very common in my 'deep south' garden.

And they will catch flies and bees much larger than themselves.

garlicpickle · #7 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 12:27 AM

I get them lurking on my buddleia when it's in flower. Then they grab the butterflies and moths as they come to feed.

Venger · #8 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff F

White and yellow forms are very common in my 'deep south' garden.

They're the same spider - they can change colour, usually over a two week period.

Geoff F · #9 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 06:34 PM

They seem to start off white then change, or is that just coincidence.

The white shade on yellow flowers looks very conspicuous and by the time they have changed colour the flowers have usually faded. White spiders often have streaks and blobs of colour which make me think about whether I have the correct ID.