The family Philodromidae, commonly known as running crab spiders, belongs to the order Araneae (spiders). These spiders are generally small to medium-sized, flattened, and highly agile, with legs adapted for rapid sideways movement rather than building webs to catch prey. They are typically found on vegetation, tree bark, or rocks, where they actively hunt insects and other small arthropods. Unlike true crab spiders (family Thomisidae), Philodromids are more slender and often exhibit cryptic coloration, allowing them to blend into their environment while stalking prey. They play an important role in controlling insect populations in both natural and agricultural ecosystems.