Jul 8, 2011
All that glitters is not gold.
The gold coin flowers (Asteriscus maritimus) planted in our yard attract a goodly number of leafcutter bees and hover flies (aka flower flies and syrphid flies).
But if you look closely, gold coins attract something else--arachnids.
This little crab spider (below) blends in so well that at first glance, it's not easy to spot.
And that's the key. Perfectly camouflaged, it awaits prey.
A golden opportunity...
Attached Images:
Camouflaged crab spider waits for prey on a gold coin. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Close-up of crab spider camouflaged on gold coin. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)