Identify It > Spiders Section > Green Crab Spiders >
Scientific name: Diaea dorsata
Size: Males up to 4mm, females up to 6mm (photo)
Distribution: Found through most of England especially south and midlands
Months seen: Mainly May to August. Young spiders spend the winter under tree bark.
Life Span: Approx. 1 year
Habitat: Woodland edges. Prefers conifers and holly trees
Food: Flies and other small invertebrates
Special features: Green Crab Spiders are one of the smaller crab spiders. They have a cream coloured abdomen with a brown patch on top. The head and legs are green with brown mottling.
This spider can change its colour to match it's surroundings, although the process takes a few days.