Thursday 19 February 2015

Creature 142: Misumena

This species changes color to hide

Description:
Misumena is a genus of spiders commonly known as the flower crab spider. 

Spiders are the ultimate ambush predators, they are patient and don't need to eat very often. They posses sticky web to subdue their prey and potent venom which can knock out their prey quickly enough to prevent a fight. They just need a way of getting close. These spiders have used their preys greatest weakness to force them to get close. They feed on the insects that come to pollinate the flowers that they live on. Their spectacular coloration is a form of camouflage so their prey will never suspect that they are waiting in ambush.

There are many different species with various color patterns which are specifically adapted to blend in to the flowers with which they have co evolved. Some species can even change colors to blend into different flower species.



Distribution:
Misumena have a Pantropical distribution.

Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Family: Thomisidae
Genus: Misumena 

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