Xysticus Crab Spider With Prey

The Genus Xysticus consists of about 360 species. From 71 encountered in Europe about 30 are recorded in Bulgaria. Xysticus are dark brown or reddish-brown crab spiders often encountered on weeds or trees. While similar to the 'flower spiders', they tend to have shorter, sturdier legs. The species are often very similar to each other, and in most cases can be distinguished only by a microscopic examination of the reproductive organs.