The Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) or Red-spotted Crab Spider is common throughout North America. It is usually found on white or yellow flowers such as daisies, sunflowers and goldenrod.
As a member of the crab spider family, these spiders hold their legs back and out to the sides -- similar to a crab. The body of the spider is white to pale yellow with characteristic red strips of the sides. The face is covered with a brown mask. Females are twice the size of males.
The spider is able to change its color depending on the flower they are inhabiting. They can change from white to yellow by secreting and excreting yellow pigments into their "skin".
Goldenrod Crab Spiders do not build webs or nests, but use camouflage to catch their prey -- flower-visiting insects.
