Overview
Scientific name: Family Thomisidae, subfamily Thomisinae, Diaea spp.
What do they look like?
These spiders are typically small (about 4-7mm long). Flower spiders are often brightly coloured with shades of green, yellow or red common. Colour can vary enormously within the same species, even between individuals from the same population. Like their cousins the square-ended crab spiders, the first two pairs of legs are longer and more powerful than the others. However, flower spiders differ in other respects. They have a round or oval abdomen and are smoother-looking with finer leg spines.
Where are they found?
Flower spiders are found throughout New Zealand, but only one species (Diaea albolimbata) is known from the Chathams. As their name suggests, these spiders are often found on flowering plants, both in gardens and native bush habitat. They are sometimes seen indoors when cut flowers are brought inside.
What are their habits?
These spiders do not create a prey capture web. Instead, they lie in wait for pollinating insects, which are seized with the front legs before being bitten.
What is their bite like?
Unknown, but unlikely to cause anything beyond minor discomfort.