Ok, I admit it – I’m a sucker for crab spiders.
A crab spider on Flodman’s thistle (Cirsium flodmanii) at the Helzer family prairie. July 2014.
As much as I enjoy looking at prairie flowers, I enjoy them even more when there’s a crab spider lying in wait among their petals. I must have more than a hundred photos of crab spiders on flowers, but when the lighting is good and I see those long hairy legs and cute little face… I just can’t help myself!
Do you suppose I need some kind of intervention?
“Hi, my name is Chris Helzer and I really like crab spiders.” (Hi Chris…)
“It’s been three weeks since I last photographed a crab spider…” (Applause)
The Prairie Ecologist 
Chuckle . . . I think admitting your problem is the first step to recovery. :) Nice pic! I hope that saying this does not encourage a backward slide.
Intervention might be good. Or maybe counseling to help you deal with your son’s sass about your age? Or about your hair ;)
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Speaking of hair, I notice a thin gray one in the upper left part of the photo. That wouldn’t be one of yours, would it Chris? ;-)
Or a family dog?
He he :) Cute. I must need some intervention too! Not with crab spiders…but who knows…you try one thing, it often leads to the next nature addiction! :)
I love your posts. They are informative, inspiring and genuine. They make me feel like I am a part of something important among those that understand and know how important it is to preserve and protect…even though I am so far away. It makes it easier to keep the passion alive in the day-to-day culture of seeming indifference. Thank you !!
That made me giggle :) Your photographs are beautiful. Please keep sharing.
I would imagine they are a bit hard to find right now. They are kinda cute though and such a pretty color.
It’s been months since my last spider and Ian crawling in the snow looking for them :)
You do have a problem but it would appear to be a good one!
It is an excellent photo. Thanks for sharing the beauty and wonder of nature.
I am obsessed not only with crab spiders but whatever else may be hunting on the prairie flowers…assassin bugs absolutely rock….oh yeah, and stink bugs…and ….sigh
I, too, love creepy crawlies…especially spiders!
I forwarded this post to my sister, The Bug Lady. She said she could not help with the intervention, and forwarded this post of hers in explanation:
http://www4.uwm.edu/fieldstation/naturalhistory/bugoftheweek/crabbyspiders.cfm
You are SO FUNNY! That’s why I love reading your blog!
WRITE ON!
I once observed a long dash butterfly sitting in a penstemon flower but on closer look a crab spider was hanging on to it which made the encounter even cooler. Sick huh? I will have to join your meetings….