Crab Spider (Xysticus cristatus)

Crab Spider (Xysticus cristatus), originally uploaded by Pipsissiwa.

Crab spiders are so named because they often walk a bit like crabs, sort of sideways, and look a bit like crabs when in their hunting pose. They don't spin webs, choosing instead to sit on flower heads or leaves with their front legs outstretched, waiting for prey to land. When something does, the legs try to grab it as the spider leaps forward, fangs ready. They are usually well camouflaged in browns or greens and can be hard to see, even larger species. As hunters these spiders need good eyesight so have large eyes on the front of the head for the kill, with small eyes around the head to see the prey coming.