Metallic Crab Spider

Metallic Crab Spider

Philodromus marxi
(Philodromidae)

This small spider runs over the leaves of weeds, in this image over Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis). It is about 1/8th inch long and its body has a metallic purple or copper sheen. This species belongs to the large family of Running Crab Spiders, none of which spin webs, but they do use silk for draglines and to build egg sacks.

 

The abundance of these spiders in our two nature centers is unknown. It has been seen only once to date (summer 2009).

 

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