Misumena vatia is widely distributed in North America (throughout most of Canada and the United States) and temperate Eurasia (from Portugal and Ireland to eastern Russia and Japan). It inhabits forest openings, woodlands, shrublands, meadows, grasslands, and wetlands. Although the vernacular name implies preference for the goldenrods (Solidago spp.), this species is found on flowers of a variety of herbs and shrubs. The body is short, wide, and flattened (6-10 mm long in females, 3-4 mm in males). The first two pairs of legs are larger than the hind legs and usually held open. In the female the carapace, abdomen and legs are white, pale green, or yellow; the abdomen with a pink or purple lateral stripes or unmarked. The male has a reddish-brown carapace with a light stripe in the middle, and a whitish abdomen with dorsal and lateral reddish stripes; the first two pairs of legs are reddish brown, and the others yellow. This species is capable of changing colour to match the background. M. vatia is an ambush predator of pollinators (bees, butterflies, flies, etc.) and other invertebrates attracted to flowers, including conspecifics. Its venom is highly toxic to the bees (Apidae) and possibly other Hymenoptera.

		D29704 Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia), female Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D60145 Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia), male Bell Bushlot, Lanark County Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D29702 Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia), female Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D60010 Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia), male and Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) Bell Bushlot, Lanark County Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D60011 Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia), male and Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) Bell Bushlot, Lanark County Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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