As I was loading camera gear into my car on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I noticed that I had a tiny hitchhiker—a crab spider that looked ready to embrace me with open arms. After photographing the cute little spider, I released it into a grassy area, where it seemed more likely to catch something to eat than on the roof of the car.
I do not have much experience with crab spiders, but think this one might be a Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia). As always, I would welcome a correction or confirmation if you are knowledgeable about spiders.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It does look like a Misumena vatia. These are fascinating creatures. I saw one on a Rosa rugosa and it had turned a pinkish color. I have an old film photo of one who had caught a bee.
Thanks, John. I was fascinated when I read that they can change colors. Wow>
He looks menacing. I hope you released him with a stick of something.
[…] entitled Spider on my car that also featured a jumping spider and one from September 2017 entitled Tiny Hitchhiker that featured a small crab […]