Synema globosum, (Fabricius, 1775) Commonly named “The Napoleon Spider,” because of the shape of the silhouette pattern, on the abdomen.
Family: Thomisidae (crab spiders). Genus: Synema.
Males 2 to 4mm in length. Females 7 to 8mm long.
The Napoleon crab spider has different colour forms among the females, white, yellow, orange and red, the silhouette pattern on the body is always black; mature males have two white marks on a black abdomen. Leg colourings on both sexes can be either dark brown or black.
Widespread over much of Europe, very common in the Mediterranean region. Absent in Scandinavia and very rare in the British Isles, where a few recordings of sightings do exist. The spiders recorded, may have been brought in from Europe by accident; especially by plants being supplied to Garden nurseries. Synema globosum is also present in the Eastern Palearctic ecozone.
Season: May till Early September.
Habitat: Warm open spaces with good plant and foliage growth, that attract a wide variety of flying insects. Crab spiders do not make a web, but rely on the elements of camouflage and surprise, as they have large and very strong front legs which are used to hold onto their prey. They mainly hunt on most pollen and nectar giving plants, waiting to “ambush” their unsuspecting prey.