I have noticed crab spiders matching the color of the flowers they were on, but I thought maybe they were different species. Thanks for the info that they can chameleonize themselves. I wonder how they do it. Do they see the color of the flower, and then the visual impression somehow changes the chemistry of their skin, or what? It is pretty amazing what biology has dreamed up!
There are 14 species of crab spiders in Minnesota. Iowa might have more. Their ability to change color varies. Life can be unfair, so only the females can change colors. Synthesizing the pigments required to change colors can take up to 21 days, but it can also take as little as 2 days in some cases. I love seeing crab spiders—most are yellow or white.
I have noticed crab spiders matching the color of the flowers they were on, but I thought maybe they were different species. Thanks for the info that they can chameleonize themselves. I wonder how they do it. Do they see the color of the flower, and then the visual impression somehow changes the chemistry of their skin, or what? It is pretty amazing what biology has dreamed up!
There are 14 species of crab spiders in Minnesota. Iowa might have more. Their ability to change color varies. Life can be unfair, so only the females can change colors. Synthesizing the pigments required to change colors can take up to 21 days, but it can also take as little as 2 days in some cases. I love seeing crab spiders—most are yellow or white.