Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Philodromus dispar

Size:  Up to 5mm

Distribution:  Found in England (most numerous in the south) and Wales

Months seen:  Mainly April to October but can be found all year round

Habitat:  Low growing vegetation, frequently seen in gardens

Food:  Small invertebrates

Special features:  Male and female Running Crab Spiders are very different in appearance, hence the scientific name "dispar" (disparity).  Both sexes have pale, dusty brown legs.  The male has an irridescent black head and body with a white edge.  The female has a pale brown body, also with a white edge, and there are some darker brown markings on the abdomen.  The male has noticably large palps.

This spider doesn't make a web, instead it catches prey by running it down - hence the common name.

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