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Napoleon Spider (Synema globosum)

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description Napoleon Spider (Synema globosum) Overview

The Napoleon spider, Synema globosum, is a crab spider found across parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Females often have a red, yellow, or pale abdomen bearing a dark marking that has been compared to a silhouette of Napoleon, while males are smaller and darker. It waits on flowers and vegetation to ambush visiting insects rather than using a prey-catching web.

help Napoleon Spider (Synema globosum) FAQ

Why is Synema globosum called the Napoleon spider?

Many females have a dark marking on the abdomen that resembles a silhouette of Napoleon. The species' scientific name is Synema globosum, and the pattern can vary from red or yellow to pale backgrounds.

Where is the Napoleon spider found?

Synema globosum occurs across parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It is a crab spider that waits for prey instead of building a large capture web.

How does a Napoleon spider catch prey?

It typically waits in ambush, often on vegetation, and grabs visiting insects with its crab-spider posture and front legs. The hunting strategy relies on camouflage and patience rather than a large orb web.

Are male Napoleon spiders the same color as females?

Usually not. Females are known for the conspicuous abdominal pattern, while males are smaller and darker. This creates a marked difference in appearance between the sexes.

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