Giant Crab Spider (Olios giganteus)

DESCRIPTION: Length 1" (25mm) or more and leg span to 3" (75mm), making it one of the largest spiders around Tucson. Color is light brown with a dark, Y shaped marking on the top of its abdomen and dark fangs in front. Like other crab spiders, it often holds its legs at right angles to its body.
NATURAL HISTORY: This spider occasionally is seen on walls or ceilings of houses (unlike wolf spiders and tarantulas that do not climb). The giant crab spider walks around in search of prey at night, but usually hides during the day. Females hide in and guard their giant egg bags. Despite its appearance, the giant crab spider is not dangerous to humans (but the bite is painful).