Natural History

Selenopid Crab Spiders (Selenopidae) include 200 species of large mostly tropical spiders easily recognized by their flatness and by their eye arrangement-six in a single row.
 

Like other crab spiders, their front legs end in two claw-like structures that help them to move sidewise. Selenopids are common in houses and under bark or rocks; if disturbed, they dash sideways into crevices. These spiders are harmless to humans and, in fact, are are useful in controlling insect pests such as mosquitoes, moths and cockroaches.