16-11-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CRAB SPIDER (Genus Bassaniodes)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/420783-Bassaniodes

26-9-2021 MONTE CORONA. VALENCIA - CRAB SPIDER (Genus Bassaniodes)

The genus Bassaniodes comprises ground and bark-dwelling crab spiders in the family Thomisidae, containing nearly 40 species distributed across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Like other crab spiders, they do not spin webs, instead functioning as ground-level ambush hunters.

Physical Traits

Appearance: Earthy tones of brown, red-brown, grey, or cream with mottled patterns that provide camouflage.

Legs: The front two pairs of legs are longer, stronger, and held sideways like a crab's claws.

Size: Generally small to medium-sized arachnids with stout, flattened bodies.

Habitat and Behavior

Lifestyle: They hide in leaf litter, under stones, or on rough tree bark rather than sitting on bright flowers.

Hunting: They wait motionless for passing insects, then grab prey quickly with their strong front legs.

Venom: Like most true crab spiders, their venom is specialized for subduing small arthropods and is harmless to humans.

13-5-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CRAB SPIDER (Genus Bassaniodes)

Bassaniodes is a genus of crab spiders that was first described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1903.