Thomisidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 573 words | Copyright

Thomisidae (crab spiders; order Araneae, suborder Araneomorphae) Family of spiders whose common name refers to their sideways-running gait when disturbed. They have legs with only two claws, the anterior legs being held laterally, not forward. They are broad-bodied, and generally the first two pairs of legs are more robust than the posterior two pairs. The spinnerets are small and inconspicuous. Some species live on bark, and all have a potent arthropod venom. Misumena vatia can change its colour to match the yellow or white flowers on which it sits in wait for prey.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Thomisidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Thomisidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Thomisidae.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Thomisidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Thomisidae.html

Learn more about citation styles