Mecaphesa asperata

Distinguished from Misumenoides and Misumena by the distinctive covering of numerous short stiff spines on the carapace, abdomen, and legs. The white ocular region, red lateral streaks on the anterior abdomen, and the V-shaped posterior abdominal mark are additional identifying characters. Leg I has red annuli on tibia and metatarsus, contrasting with otherwise yellow legs.

Found in open habitats with flowering vegetation, including prairies, glades, forest edges, and riparian corridors. Frequently associated with yellow-flowered plants such as Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac) and Spiranthes magnicamporum (Great Plains ladies' tresses). Occupies mesic to dry-mesic environments where suitable hunting perches on blossoms are available.

North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Documented from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba) southward through the United States and into Mexico and Central America.

Active during spring through fall, with observations spanning March through October in temperate regions. Peak activity coincides with flowering periods of host plants.

Ambush predator that captures pollinating insects visiting flowers. Documented prey includes bees and flies. Hunts by remaining motionless on similarly colored flowers and seizing visitors with enlarged anterior legs.

• Rhus aromatica - hunting siteObserved camouflaged on bright yellow flowers, awaiting pollinators
• Spiranthes magnicamporum - hunting siteFirst documented observation of this species hunting on orchid flowers

Typical crab spider ambush hunting behavior: remains motionless on flowers, relying on camouflage to avoid detection by prey. Does not construct webs for prey capture. Capable of moving sideways and backward in crab-like fashion. Has been observed on blossoms of both woody shrubs and herbaceous plants including orchids.

Predator of pollinating insects; may exert selective pressure on flower-visiting insect populations. Serves as prey for larger predators including birds and wasps.

Non-venomous to humans and not medically significant. May be encountered by field biologists and naturalists during surveys of flowering plants. Of interest to arachnologists studying flower spider ecology and camouflage.

• Misumena vatiaLarger Nearctic flower spider lacking the dense covering of stiff spines characteristic of Mecaphesa asperata; goldenrod spider is also generally larger and more robust
• MisumenoidesRelated genus of flower spiders distinguished by less prominent spination and different abdominal patterning

• ambush predator
• flower spider
• camouflage
• pollinator predator
• Thomisidae

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