![]() Some distantly related orb-weaver spider species such as Gasteracantha cancriformis also are sometimes called "crab spiders". The Thomisidae are the family most generally referred to as "crab spiders", though some members of the Sparassidae are called "giant crab spiders", the Selenopidae are called "wall crab spiders", and various members of the Sicariidae are sometimes called "six-eyed crab spiders". Spiders in this family are called "crab spiders" due to their resemblance to crabs, the way such spiders hold their two front pairs of legs, and their ability to scuttle sideways or backwards. These spiders are quite easy to identify and can very rarely be confused with Sparassidae family, though the crab spiders are usually smaller. They gain their name from the shape of their body, and they usually move sideways or backwards. ![]() They have dull colorations such as brown, grey, or very bright green, pink, white or yellow. The back two legs are smaller, and are usually covered in a series of strong spines. The two front legs are usually longer and more robust than the rest of the legs. Members of this family of spiders do not spin webs, and are ambush predators. Many members of this family are also known as flower spiders or flower crab spiders. The common name crab spider is often linked to species in this family, but is also applied loosely to many other families of spiders. The Thomisidae are a family of spiders, including about 170 genera and over 2,100 species. Crab spider feeding on a Junonia atlites butterfly in a Zinnia elegans flower
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