The first two pair of legs are larger than the last two and are held in crab-like fashion away from and in front of the body. Crab spiders are able to walk backwards and sideways as well as forwards. They depend on good eyesight, speed, and camouflage to detect and catch their prey. Species that inhabit trees or hunt on the ground are usually colored in shades of gray, brown, or black. These spiders mimic the colors of the flowers upon which they rest to ambush their prey.
Some species have the ability to alter their color to match the background.
A few species commonly found on plants even mimic bird droppings. Jumping spiders are very common in Nebraska. Jumping spiders have a hairy, stocky appearance, hunt by day, and are common in sunny areas. Jumping spiders stalk their prey with a slow, irregular gait, covering the final distance by springing into the air and landing on their prey. Just before jumping, the spider attaches a drag-line to the substrate and extends its front legs in preparation for seizing its intended victim.