Subject: What kind of spider is this?
Location: Tucson, AZ
October 18, 2012 7:42 pm
I came upon this spider in the showers in Picacho Peak campground (Tucson, AZ) last week? It was about the size of my palm. I took the picture and then backed away…
Any ideas on what kind it is?
Signature: Curious
Dear Curious,
This is a Giant Crab Spider in the genus Olios, and you can compare your image to this photo on BugGuide. The size of the pedipalps, the first pair of appendages, are an indication that this is a male. Male spiders use their pedipalps to transfer sperm packets to the female during mating.