Female goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia) awaiting prey in our yard earlier this morning. Click/double click to enlarge.
Populations of this species sometimes go through peaks and valleys throughout the summer and fall.
Though capable of biting, this ambush predator relies on camouflage for defense.
They can change color, though it may take several days for a complete color change to occur. A white individual of this species can be found at http://thingsbiological.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/six-months-ago-today-an-abundance-of-goldenrod-crab-spiders-misumena-vatia/.
[...] on their environment, though the process may take several days. A yellow individual can be seen at http://thingsbiological.wordpress.com/2012/06/16/goldenrod-crab-spider-misumena-vatia-populations-on…. Like this:LikeBe the first to like [...]