Crab spider
VU

Crab spider

Misumena vatia

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misumena_vatia

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Goldenrod Crab Spider faces significant population declines primarily due to intensive agricultural practices that eliminate the wildflower meadows essential for its hunting strategy. Widespread pesticide use directly reduces both spider populations and their prey base of pollinating insects, while habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations and reduces genetic diversity. Climate change is altering flowering patterns of host plants, disrupting the species' carefully timed reproductive cycle that depends on peak flower abundance.

Threat summary

Habitat

Inhabits flower-rich meadows, grasslands, and garden borders where it ambush-hunts on white and yellow flowers including goldenrod, daisies, and sunflowers. Requires diverse flowering plant communities that provide both hunting platforms and prey abundance throughout the growing season.

Other threatened species in Thomisidae

EN

Ozyptila scabricula

Unknown
EN

Pistius truncatus

Unknown
EN

Ozyptila atomaria

Unknown
EN

Coriarachne depressa

Unknown

Threatened in Afghanistan

Asian HoubaraVU

Asian Houbara

Chlamydotis macqueenii

Declining
VU

Urial

Ovis vignei

Declining
EN

Malus komarovii

Declining
EN

Cheilosia morio

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Crab spider classified as Vulnerable?
Crab spider is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Goldenrod Crab Spider faces significant population declines primarily due to intensive agricultural practices that eliminate the wildflower meadows essential for its hunting strategy. Widespread pesticide use directly reduces both spider populations and their prey base of pollinating insects, while habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations and reduces genetic diversity. Climate change is altering flowering patterns of host plants, disrupting the species' carefully timed reproductive cycle that depends on peak flower abundance.
Where does Crab spider live?
Crab spider occurs in Afghanistan, Åland Islands, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, and Austria (plus 55 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Crab spider?
The main threats to Crab spider are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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