Misumena vatia (Clerck, 1757) Discussion
goldenrod crab spider
Comments on July 2, 2007 Observation
Jean Leclerc
46.2285, -72.3451
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Submitted: July 5, 2007 at 10:17:08 AM MST
Took a 3h. walk through a wood lot. Observed 16 specimens in all. Most standing on daisies along trails. Some eating prey. The immatures looked to be females to me. One of the mature females was observed guarding eggsac under a milkweed leaf.
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Bev Wigney wrote on July 3, 2007 at 9:42:25 AM MST
David may have a better idea of the known range of these based on specimens in collections. I do think that some of the small whte crab spiders that we're seeing around may be species other than Misumena vatia, at least here in eastern Ontario. I've photographed at least one other species of crab spider in this group, so juveniles would be around as well. I think the key to sorting them out -- at least for someone who doesn't have a microscope, etc.. might be to take a good look at the eye area as mentioned in the discussion that followed my last observation report. I think there may be a way to ID juveniles in the field, but it may require either a camera that shoots good macros, or else a hand lens with reasonably good magnification. That said, I think it would be likely that a large percentage of the white crab spiders we are seeing are M. vatia. In my own experience here at my farm, adults of that species seem to be easily found.
Jean Leclerc wrote on July 2, 2007 at 12:55:55 PM MST
I have to ask: I have read what you discussed about a possible confusion between the goldenrod spider and a similar looking one, and am wondering if they both are found here in Québec? I'm not so sure anymore about the juvies I submitted since they lack the pink markings on the abdomen. Thanks!