Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) is common in flowers of the Low Beskid meadows during the period from May to July. Flower coloration is an important factor of survival to the crab spider and most will dwell solely in foliage similar to their pattern of coloration. They are carnivorous and eat insects including bees that visit flowering plants. Crab spider’s fangs produce poison that is potent enough to incapacitate most insects very quickly, despite their size. The name of the spider comes from its ability to move sideways "like a crab".
Crab spider lays its eggs on a leaf, which she then rolls and sews up . This helps to disguise and protect the eggs.
Misumena Vatia has been chosen the spider of the year 2006 by The European Society of Arachnology.
The Low Beskid - July 15, 2007.