A photo of a spider with markings on its abdomen that resemble a human face has gone viral on the Thai Facebook group “What Is This?” after a user in Yasothon province posted it asking about the species. Commenters quickly identified it as a crab spider from the family Thomisidae, a species harmless to humans.
Crab spiders are named for their crab-like movements, as they can walk sideways and backward. They are ambush predators, typically hiding among flowers or leaves to catch unsuspecting insects.
The spider in the viral photo belongs to the Misumenini tribe, known for pale colors like yellow or white that help them blend into flowers. Some species can even change body color to better match their surroundings, although humans and their prey perceive colors differently.
Crab spiders of the Misumenini tribe are widely distributed worldwide, including across Thailand. Experts advise that if you encounter one, it’s best to leave it alone, as these spiders pose no threat to humans.
