Fauna
Arachnid

Philodromus vulgaris

Philodromus vulgaris

Also known as Common Running Crab Spider, Longlegged Running Crab Spider

Philodromus vulgaris is an agile pursuit predator that navigates tree bark, fence rails, and outer foliage with remarkable speed. Unlike true crab spiders that ambush prey motionlessly from flowers, this species actively sprints across vertical surfaces and relies on its flattened profile and mottled grey-brown coloration for near-perfect camouflage. It spins no web for prey capture, instead using rapid bursts of movement and sensitive leg hairs to detect vibrations and seize small flying insects.

AgileCamouflagedArboreal
Philodromus vulgaris reference1 / 4
(c) Robert Roach, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Robert Roach · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFlies, Leafhoppers, Aphids
Predators
  • Songbirds
  • Mud dauber wasps
  • Jumping spiders
ThreatsPesticide use and localized loss of mature tree canopy
HabitatsDeciduous woodlands, tree trunks, shrubs, wooden structures, and fence posts
Life span1 year
Classification
  1. OrderAraneae
  2. FamilyPhilodromidae
  3. GenusPhilodromus
  4. SpeciesPhilodromus vulgaris
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance; harmless and non-aggressive toward humans.
Responsible observation
  • Search Trunks: Look carefully at weathered bark and wooden fences where its mottled body blends seamlessly.
  • Gentle Approach: Move slowly, as sudden shadows or vibrations trigger lightning-fast retreat around to the opposite side of a branch.
Related species
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