Its species name is Gasteracantha cancriformis, but is more commonly known by other names such as the crab spider, crab-like orbweaver, jewel box spider, smiley face spider, spiny bellied orbweaver, and crab-like spiny orbweaver.

This particular spider was spotted in the city of Boca Raton in Palm Beach County, Florida. They are also found in Central America, Cuba, Jamaica, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Alabama, Georgia and other southern U.S. states.

The spiny-backed orb weaver is not dangerous and like most spiders, it helps to control the local flying insect population.

For more of my photo galleries, click on the following links: Banana Spider & Wasps, Yorkshire Terrier Puppy, Parakeets, Carpenter Bee Pest Control, Golden Silk Banana Spiders, and the Infant Gray Squirrel Care Guide.