These are small to medium spiders with short legs and stout bodies. The body is hairy and may be brightly colored or iridescent. They are found primarily under stones and in debris. As the name suggests, these medium sized spiders are crab-like in appearance. They walk sideways or backwards to escape harm.
Crab spiders spin no webs.
They forage for their insect prey or wait in ambush for it. They are expert in camouflage. One species can even change color depending upon the color of the flower it is resting on. Some have a leg spread of three inches. Most live near water and can walk over the surface and even dive into water.