Crab Spider Nails a Fly

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Happenings in the insect world

Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey

Published on: May 27, 2010

The crab spider didn't go away hungry.

Camouflaged in the petals of a sedum, the cunning predator waits patiently for its prey.

An unsuspecting blowfly lands inches from the crab spider, unaware of its presence, and crawls toward it.

Wham! The crab spider snatches the blowfly and bites it, paralyzing it with its venom.

I'm just glad it wasn't a honey bee.

The Encounter

THE ENCOUNTER--An unsuspecting blowfly crawls along the top of the sedum, unaware of the crab spider stalking it. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Ambush

THE AMBUSH--The crab spider grabs the blowfly with its powerful legs. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Paralyzing Bite

PARALYZING BITE and it's all over for the blowfly. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Better Grip

BETTER GRIP--The crab spider moves the blowfly around, like food on a dinner plate. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

DINNER--The crab spider didn't go away hungry. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)