A photo of a spider with markings on its abdomen resembling a human face has gone viral in the Thai Facebook group ‘What Is This?’ after a user in Yasothon province posted it, asking what species it was. Commenters identified it as a crab spider (family Thomisidae) – a species harmless to humans.
Crab spiders get their name from their crab-like movements, being able to walk sideways and backwards. They are ambush predators that typically hide among flowers or leaves, waiting to catch insects.
The spider shown in the photo belongs to the Misumenini tribe, which often displays pale colours such as yellow or white to blend in with flowers. Some species can even change their body colour, seemingly to match their surroundings more effectively, although they and their prey have a different spectral range to humans. (continues below)
Crab spiders, especially those in the Misumenini tribe, are widely distributed and can be found in many regions around the world – including Thailand.
If you spot one, it’s best to simply leave it alone – these spiders are harmless to humans.