Photo By gailhampshire , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Goldenrod crab spider
Misumena vatia
A species of Flower crab spiders, Also known as Flower spider, Goldenrod spider
Rather than for its coloring, goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia) is named for its tendency to hunt within sprays of goldenrod. This species is capable of catching and consuming prey several times larger than itself, such as dragonflies or grasshoppers. Loyal parents, the females will guard their eggs until they hatch and the tiny spiders disperse, after which the female will die.
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
General Info About Goldenrod crab spider
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Attributes of Goldenrod crab spider
Colors
Yellow
White
Habitat
fence; vegetation; forest
Adult Food Sources
Flies, bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects
Venomous
The Goldenrod crab spider can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Goldenrod crab spider typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Species Status of Goldenrod crab spider
It is a species of crab spider with holarctic distribution. It can be found in North America.
Distribution Area of Goldenrod crab spider
North America, Europe
Appearance of Goldenrod crab spider
Young males in the early summer may be quite small and easily overlooked, but females can grow up to 1 cm (excluding legs); males reach 5 mm at most. These spiders may be yellow or white, depending on the flower in which they are hunting (active camouflage). The young reach a size of about 5 mm by autumn and spend the winter on the ground. They molt for the last time in May of the next year.
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Youth Habitat of Goldenrod crab spider
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
Adult Habitat of Goldenrod crab spider
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
How Can You Attract Goldenrod crab spider
Since goldenrod crab spider primarily preys on insects such as flies, bees, and other small pollinators, these insects can be used as bait in traps to attract goldenrod crab spider.
How and Where Can You Find Goldenrod crab spider at Different Life Stages
Juvenile Juvenile goldenrod crab spider are small and can be found on smaller plants or shrubs. Look for them by carefully inspecting the flowers and leaves, especially on sunny days when they might be hunting.
Adult Adult goldenrod crab spider can often be seen perched on flowers, waiting to ambush prey. They frequently inhabit gardens and meadows with ample flowering plants. Seeking them out requires gently examining the blooms and foliage of these areas.
Are Goldenrod crab spider harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Goldenrod crab spider
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Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Toxic to Animals
Goldenrod crab spider primarily affects animals through biting with its fangs. In adults, the venom produced is of mild intensity, causing discomfort predominantly in smaller animals such as mice and insects. Larger animals, including humans, might just feel a slight irritation or pain at the bite site, which generally subsides on its own. Different species may experience various symptoms, ranging from negligible to moderate, depending on their size and physiology.
Bite Humans
Goldenrod crab spider rarely bites humans, as it is not an aggressive species. A bite may occur if they feel threatened or are mishandled. The bite is typically mild, employing their small fangs to defensively nip. Immediate effects are minor, usually resulting in slight irritation or redness with no serious consequences.