These crab spiders belong to the genus Xysticus, which has 67 very difficult-to-identify species. These images were identified to genus with the help of the volunteer experts at BugGuide. When mature, these spiders are about 3/8th of an inch long, and as their common name implies, spend much of their time on the ground. Image “B” is of a female protecting her eggs in a rolled-up leaf.
This image was taken at Neale Woods. We don’t yet have any idea about it’s abundance at our two nature centers.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.