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Thomisus spectabilis Doleschall, 1859 Spectacular Crab Spider

A short, squat spider, from 3-11mm, common Australia wide, active in the day time. Some can be very white (if living in white flowers). Some can be quite yellow. They sometimes have yellow-reddish ends to the translucent legs, and black markings at the rear of the trapezoidal abdomen. The first and second pairs of legs are noticeably longer and thicker than the last 2 pairs. Lateral eyes are on projections. Males are much smaller. They generally hunt on flowers or other parts of plants matching their colour though they can change colour somewhat to match the plant. An insect visiting the flower for pollen or nectar is seized and bitten, then sucked dry, some much larger than the spider. Eggs are laid in a silk dish covered with a lid. After two weeks the spiderlings hatch, left to fend for themselves.

Female with Ulysses butterfly


Thomisus spectabilis with large prey Photo: Malcolm Tattersall
Photo: Malcolm Tattersall, Townsville check out his blog

Female with Skipper, a big meal


Thomisus spectabilis with large prey Photo: Malcolm Tattersall
Photo: Malcolm Tattersall check out his blog

Tiny adult male with adult female, getting it on


Thomisus spectabilis male and F
Photo: Malcolm Tattersall check out his blog

Female, front on

This spider was inside a magnolia flower consuming the juices of a bee it had captured. We moved it temporarily into brighter light to take some photos then returned it to its flower.

Thomisus spectabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female biting a Lynx spider (Oxyopes macilentus)


This was a small spider, presumably juvenile, body length about 3mm.

Thomisus spectabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

From above on green foliage


Thomisus spectabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Praying for prey on Hibiscus flower


Thomisus spectabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from above


The male is much smaller, being around 2.5mm max, this one was about 2.2mm body length (without the palps).

Thomisus spectabilis male
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male adult palp


Thomisus spectabilis male
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male with green colour


Thomisus spectabilis male
Photo: Robert Whyte

 

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