September 7, 2025
A spider with what seems a bit of magic up its sleeve. This, the female White-banded Crab Spider (Misumenoides formosipes), is able to change color, white to yellow, or yellow to white, depending upon what color flower she is sitting on.
This happens by way of secretion of yellow pigment into the outer cell layer of her body. That process can take from ten to twenty-six days. OR going from yellow to white, a simpler process which involves excreting the yellow pigment, taking perhaps just six days.
This power helps her to ambush her prey. She doesn’t spin a web, but instead chooses to lie in wait, for her dinner to approach. Blending in as she bides her time. This ability also provides protection from predators.
The smaller, male White-banded Crab Spider doesn’t have this color changing ability.
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I have seen one that had a lilac tinge while sitting in a purple flower.
Hi Mary Ann! I’m so pleased to hear from! Isn’t the world of nature amazing! That some spiders can actually change color just blows my mind! Luck you to have spotted one that had turned to a shade of lilac! I’ve got to pay more attention. Maybe I’ll see one in that color as well.
So very glad you are getting my blog posts!
Bren