Ragno granchio Misumena vatia

Camouflaged flower lover

It may not be immediately obvious, but that's precisely the point: the crab spider is a master of camouflage!
It is often found on white or yellow flowers because it can change colour from white to yellow to blend in better. The colour change occurs slowly, over hours or days, thanks to pigments that move within its tissues. This ability is unique to females - which are much larger than males - allowing them to hide from prey and, above all, predators.
Unlike weaver spiders, crab spiders do not build webs to hunt, but lie in wait for flies, bees and bumblebees among the petals of flowers. When the prey is close enough, it grabs it with a lightning-fast movement and injects it with its powerful – but harmless to us – venom.
It is unable to chew its prey, but sucks out the pre-digested contents thanks to the injection of enzymes that liquefy the tissues of the unfortunate victim.
But don't worry! Neither its venom nor its digestive enzymes have any effect on us!
Next time you come across a white or yellow flower, take a closer look: you may discover that the little bump on the petal is watching you!

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