crab spider

noun

1. any crab-shaped spider of the family Thomisidae, characterized by its sideways manner of moving.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crab spider¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Sure enough, he finds the culprit: A white crab spider had snagged the butterfly.

From Seattle Times

“And then you look up ‘crab spider,’ and you find that spider can turn yellow when it’s on goldenrod, and … ” he trailed off, the ands seemingly infinite.

From Seattle Times

She discovered a lovely yellow crab spider, Thomisus onustus, in the act of devouring a small insect.

From Scientific American

The crab spider is less lovely to look at than a dolphin or horse, but more lovely than its name might lead you to expect.

From The Guardian

One particular crab spider, so named for its ability to scuttle sideways and backward, appears to be ubiquitous.

From New York Times