OBSERVATION ON THREE FLOWER CRAB SPIDERS (ARANEAE: THOMISIDAE: THOMISUS) FROM SOUTH AFRICA

The general behaviour of three crab spider species Thomisus citrinellus Simon, 1875, T. daradioides Simon, 1890 and T. stenningi Pocock, 1900 are discussed. They are common flower dwellers found in gardens. With their strong front legs, prey are grabbed, and overpowered by their strong venom enabling them to kill prey that are frequently 2-4 times their size. They prey on seven insect orders and flies were the most commonly caught prey followed by bees. Most of the prey (79%) are caught in the neck region. They can change colour but only 53% of the spider were found on flowers of the same colour.