Goldenrod crab spider vs Green lynx spider
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a goldenrod crab spider from a green lynx spider, and whether either one bites or stings.
Goldenrod crab spider
Misumena vatia
Green lynx spider
Peucetia viridans
≠The key differences
Crab spiders have a flattened, crab-like stance and can change color to match flowers; they lack the long spiny legs and jumping posture of lynx spiders.
⚖︎Side by side
| Goldenrod crab spider | Green lynx spider | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Mild bite | Mildly venomous |
| Size | Females 6-10 mm body length; males 3-5 mm | Females 8-22 mm body length; males 6-12 mm body length |
| Colours | White, Bright yellow, Pale pink | Bright green, Yellow-green, Red (spots), Black (markings) |
| Family | Thomisidae | Oxyopidae |
| Habitat | Sunny meadows, gardens and edges with abundant flowering plants, especially goldenrod, daisies, umbels and composite flowers | Shrubs, bushes, tall grasses, garden plants and flowers; prefers warm, sunny vegetation where prey is abundant |
| Range | Holarctic: widespread in North America and Europe; also reported in parts of temperate Asia | Southern United States from the Carolinas and Florida west through Texas and the Southwest to California, plus Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean |
| Active | Daytime active; most common in late spring through autumn (depending on region), peaking when target flowers bloom | Daytime active (diurnal); most commonly seen spring through autumn in warm regions |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a goldenrod crab spider
- Sits on flowers with front legs spread sideways in a crab-like posture
- Females 6-10 mm body length; very variable color but commonly white or bright yellow matching the flower
- Slow color change between white and yellow over days (compared with instant camouflage of some insects)
- No web used for prey capture; found on open flowers rather than in webs
🔍How to spot a green lynx spider
- Bright, uniform green body with long spiny legs arranged for jumping.
- Tapered abdomen often with small red or orange dorsal spots and black lateral markings.
- Diurnal on leaves and flowers; does not sit in a web waiting for prey.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a goldenrod crab spider and a green lynx spider?
Crab spiders have a flattened, crab-like stance and can change color to match flowers; they lack the long spiny legs and jumping posture of lynx spiders.
Is a goldenrod crab spider or a green lynx spider more dangerous?
Goldenrod crab spider: Mild bite. Green lynx spider: Mildly venomous. These spiders are not dangerous to people. Bites are uncommon.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.