Crabs and spiders have a number of common features, but there are creatures in the wild possessing both those animals’ traits. So, there is a giant Japanese spider crab as well as a tiny camouflage master crab arthropod.
Spooky Sea-Living Monsters
At the same time, a giant spider’s meat is edible. Though only young species are considered delicious and are therefore endangered.
These marine representatives appear to be real centenarians because they can live for about 100 years.
Crab Spiders Living Ashore
Opposite to the solid siblings, crab spiders are rather miniature. They are more studied and own several specific traits. Namely, all the species have a crab-like appearance. First, two pairs of legs are longer than the others. They use front legs to catch the prey. When threatened, crab looking spiders flee sideways or can even wave their claws.
The Thomisidae neither spin webs nor chase a victim. On the contrary, they occupy a plant, startlingly mimicking the spot color. When the prey appears rather near, the predator grabs it and injects a lethal dose of poison. So, white crab spiders tend to hunt in plants that match their color. Flower crab imitator needs more than 10 days to change the shade of its body into the corresponding one.