Crab spider in...

The crab spider was selected as the Spider of the Week because no matter where you live in the continental United States you are likely to see one.

Not all spiders use webs to ensnare a passing meal. Crab spiders, named for their swift, scuttling, crablike movements, are sit-and-wait predators that do not construct webs. Instead, they wait motionless, patient, and often camouflaged, on plants until their prey passes within striking range. Although they can see movement many body-lengths away, their sharpest vision is up close, where it counts. Crab spiders seize a meal with their long, strong front legs before dispatching their paralyzing bite.

How many species? Approximately 2000 In your backyard? Nearly 130 species in the United States Around the world? Found on every continent, except Antarctica; larger species are found in the tropics

The crab spider...