White Crab Spider Ontario: Everything You Need To Know
Ontario is home to a variety of wildlife, including spiders. One of the most fascinating spiders found in Ontario is the white crab spider. These spiders are known for their unique appearance and hunting tactics. In this article, we will dive deeper into the world of white crab spiders and explore their behavior, habitat, and more.
What is a White Crab Spider?
White crab spiders, also known as Misumena vatia, are a type of spider that are commonly found in Ontario. They are known for their unique appearance, with a white or yellow body and long, thin legs. These spiders are called crab spiders because they have the ability to move sideways like crabs.
White crab spiders are also known for their hunting tactics. Unlike other spiders that spin webs to catch their prey, white crab spiders are ambush predators. They hide in flowers and wait for insects to land on them. Once an insect lands, the spider quickly grabs it with its front legs and injects venom to paralyze it.
Behavior and Habitat
White crab spiders are commonly found in gardens, parks, and other outdoor areas where flowers are abundant. They are active during the day and are most commonly seen in the summer months. These spiders are solitary creatures and do not live in colonies.
When it comes to their behavior, white crab spiders are known for being aggressive. They will defend their territory fiercely and will attack anything that they perceive as a threat. Despite their aggressive behavior, white crab spiders are not dangerous to humans. Their venom is not harmful to humans and they are not known to bite unless provoked.
Identification
Identifying a white crab spider is relatively easy. As their name suggests, they have a white or yellow body and long, thin legs. They are also relatively small, with an average length of around 6mm. Female white crab spiders are larger than males and can grow up to 10mm in length.
Another way to identify white crab spiders is by their eyes. They have six eyes arranged in a hexagonal pattern. This is different from other spiders, which typically have eight eyes.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
White crab spiders mate in the summer months. The male will approach the female and perform a courtship dance, which involves tapping the female's body with his front legs. If the female is receptive, she will allow the male to mate with her.
After mating, the female will lay her eggs in a sac that she creates out of silk. The sac is then attached to a plant or other object. The eggs will hatch in the fall, and the spiderlings will emerge. These spiderlings will then spend the winter in the sac before emerging in the spring as adult spiders.
White Crab Spider and Pollination
White crab spiders play an important role in the ecosystem as they help with pollination. When they ambush insects on flowers, they also come into contact with the flower's pollen. As they move from flower to flower, they inadvertently help to spread the pollen and facilitate pollination.
White Crab Spider and Pest Control
White crab spiders are also beneficial for pest control. They are predatory insects and will help to control the population of other insects in the area. This can be particularly helpful in gardens and other outdoor spaces where insects can be a problem.
White Crab Spider and Human Interaction
While white crab spiders are not dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance if they are living in or around your home. If you find a white crab spider in your home, it is best to remove it using a glass and paper method. This involves placing a glass over the spider and then sliding a piece of paper underneath it before releasing it back into the wild.
Conclusion
White crab spiders are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the ecosystem. They are unique in their appearance and hunting tactics, and are beneficial for both pollination and pest control. While they may be aggressive, they are not dangerous to humans and should be respected for their contribution to the natural world.
So, the next time you see a white crab spider in your garden or outdoor space, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and importance.
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