Tag: crab spider (Page 1 of 3)

Bug of the Week: Trying a New Camera

Camera technology has changed quite a bit since I purchased my old camera, so I thought I’d check out a new one.

I like that it is lighter. My old one could hurt my neck after a long hike.

I like that it is easier to get everything in focus.

Well, almost.

Guess I have a few bugs to work out…

Bug of the Week: Different Crab Spider

Arizona has many different crab spiders.

We have colorful ones that hide in flowers.

We have gentle giants (Olios sp.).

This week we have a new (to us) crab spider.

It was small spot, a body and legs sunning on a car cover. At first glance, I thought it might be a tick.

A closer look shows it is a spider because it has two distinct body regions. Ticks are basically one oval body.

The forward-directed front legs indicate it is a crab spider.

In fact, it appears to be a ground crab spider, Xysticus sp. (Experts, please correct me).

It’s always fun to find something new.

Want to learn a few basics about how to identify spiders? See our previous post.

Or pick up a book from our growing list of children’s books about spiders at Science Books for Kids.

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