Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Note that many of the crab spiders in the genus
Misumenops were transferred to the genus
Mecaphesa in 2008
(1)Numbers
130 species in 9 genera in our region, although some authors split them into 10 genera
(2).
We have 14 genera following the world spider catalog.
Identification
Not diagnostic, but some helpful features:(2)
Front 2 pairs of legs longer and thicker than back 2
Eyes often on tubercles
2 claws
8 eyes
Flat bodied
Legs laterigrade
See discussion on identification of three common flower-inhabiting genera (
Misumena,
Misumenoides, and
Misumenops (Mecaphesa))
here.
Habitat
Many genera are often found on flowers (Misumena, Misumenoides, and Misumenops (Mecaphesa)), while others are often found on tree bark or the ground (Bassaniana, Xysticus).
Food
Ambush hunters which often attack pollinators at flowers.
Print References
Gertsch, W. J. (1939). A revision of the typical crab spiders (Misumeninae) of America north of Mexico. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 76: 277-442. (
Full Text)
Schick, R. X. (1965). The crab spiders of California (Araneida, Thomisidae). Bulletin of the AMNH; v. 129, article 1. (
Full Text Here)
Dondale, C. D., & Redner, J. H. (1978). The Crab Spiders of Canada and Alaska (Araneae: Philodromidae and Thomisidae)(The Insects and Arachnids of Canada, Part 5). Agriculture Canada Publication, 1663. (
Full Text Here) - With free account
Internet References
University of Kentucky Entomology Dept. - Information specifically about Crab Spiders