Thomisidae
Flower Crab Spider Identification in Australia
Small spider with crab-like sideways legs, often waiting on flowers or foliage.
Usually low riskFlower and crab spiders are ambush hunters and can be colourful or well-camouflaged. Their crab-like stance is the useful first clue: the front legs extend sideways while the spider waits still on a flower, leaf, bark or shrub rather than running through a capture web. Colour can match the surface and may vary, so confirm the sideways posture and ambush setting before identifying a small pale or patterned garden spider as a crab spider. They are usually low risk and best left on the plant where they are helping to catch insects.
Quick identification
- Front legs held sideways
- Often sits still on flowers
- Small ambush hunter
- May match flower or bark colour
What to check next
Check for crab-like posture on flowers or leaves.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice only for severe or unexpected symptoms.
Where it is usually seen
Flowers, shrubs, leaves, bark and garden plants.