Occurred on June 9, 2019 / Dohr, Germany Info from Licensor: "I am Lothar Lenz, a nature photographer with heart and soul, and I am lucky enough to live in a small cul-de-sac village in the Eifel - surrounded by fields, forests and stream valleys, just a stone's throw from the Moselle valley. Here I can experience nature in all its diversity and observe some of the most fascinating animals right on my doorstep: Black storks, wildcats and eagle owls are my permanent neighbors. In summer, my garden is full of hornets and wasps, which I capture with my camera, whether in impressive close-ups or exciting video sequences. This closeness to nature inspires me every day and drives me to capture the beauty and uniqueness of our environment in my photographs. My desire is to inspire and motivate others to get involved in protecting this wonderful world - be it in distant regions or right on their own doorstep. The goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia), also known as the variable crab spider, is a fascinating predator known for its perfect camouflage and strategic hunting behavior. Its name reflects its ability to change color from white to yellow, allowing it to seamlessly blend into its surroundings—usually flowers. This makes it nearly invisible to its prey, such as bees, flies, and other pollinators. The hunt begins with the selection of a suitable location. The crab spider positions itself on flowers that are frequently visited by insects. Yellow or white flowers, such as daisies, chamomile, or dandelions, are ideal because the spider can perfectly match their color. This camouflage is key to its success: bees and other pollinators land unsuspectingly on the flower, unaware of the spider's presence. When an insect lands on the flower, the crab spider remains completely still until the prey is within reach. Its body is uniquely adapted for this ambush strategy: the front pairs of legs are elongated and powerful, giving it a crab-like appearance and allowing it to grab its prey with lightning speed. With a precise strike, the spider seizes the bee and holds it tightly. The spider then injects venom through a bite, quickly paralyzing or killing the prey. The venom contains enzymes that liquefy the inside of the insect. The spider proceeds to suck out the liquid nutrients from the prey’s body. During this process, the spider remains on the flower, disposing of the prey’s remains either by dropping them or removing them to avoid detection. One of the crab spider’s remarkable traits is its patience. It can remain at a single spot for extended periods, waiting for prey to come close. Its ability to go long periods without food makes it a master of energy-efficient hunting. The goldenrod crab spider is a perfect example of a specialized predator in nature. Its camouflage, speed, and venomous bite allow it to thrive in the dynamic environment of flowers while playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem."