A Ground Crab Spider, Xysticus benefactor

This spider of the Thomisidae family is, I believe, Xysticus benefactor. It was hunting on the shingled wall of our house. The photo is actually turned 180 degrees because the spider is “hiding” on the overhang of the cedar shingle.

comments (7)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

This is just TOO COOL! Looks like something out of Star Wars! :D Posted 7 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  There must be lots of these Starwars guys around but this one was the first that “posed” for me. It was out in the open in a very defensive pose but quickly hid under the edge of the shingle. Contortions were needed to photograph this one! Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
    
    Lion
    
    Well, it is a perfect shot! I hope you didn't pull a muscle getting it! :D Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. gary fast
      
      Lion
      
      Thank you. Ha! It would be a perfect world if all these critters were out in full view at eye level but that would definitely decrease the “thrill of the chase”! Posted 7 years ago, modified 7 years ago
    2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
        
        Lion
        
        So true, Gary! Posted 7 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Awesome shot, Gary, love everything about it! Posted 7 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Many thanks! I marvel at what is revealed by shooting macro. Posted 7 years ago

The Xysticus benefactor

Xysticus is a genus of ground crab spiders described by C. L. Koch in 1835, belonging to the order Araneae, family Thomisidae. The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek root xyst, meaning "scraped, scraper".

Info 1 0

Similar species: Spiders

Species identified by Claire Hamilton