Crab Spider?

This little thing was waiting for something edible to turn up on a flower head of sedum spectabile. Unfortunately, nothing edible did turn up while I was watching it. It looks like a type of crab spider, but having had a quick look online and in a garden wildlife book I can't work out which species. Any suggestions?

K3 + Irix 150mm at 1:1. Took about a dozen shots, chose the two best for a stack and threw them at Affinity Photo. Best seen big (if you can stomach it :twisted.

Thoughts, comments, identification etc. welcome as usual.




Steve

Hi
I think you are correct - try Xysticus erraticus as a possible

Best wishes

Michael

Wow.... don't you just love predators

Yeah !!!!

Thanks for the pointer. Having now looked at Xysticus species, I'm inclined to think that it's Xysticus cristatus rather than erraticus, although it appears to be rather late in the year to spot one. The experts say that microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary to confirm identification. That's a challenge I won't be accepting - and I'm sure the spider will be grateful!

Steve

I think the unseasonable weather in the south is a factor in it being around so late in the season. We still have quite a few butterflies, hoverflies and dragonflies turning up on our allotment. However, very few bees and wasps!

You may well be right about the unseasonable weather. We too have plenty of butterflies (mainly red admirals and whites) and hoverflies in the garden at the moment with regular visits from dragonflies. Plus, of course, the usual garden spiders with webs all over the place. Bees are almost over and wasps never really got going this year - we usually have one or two wasp nests but none this year as far as I can tell (and it's usually pretty obvious!).

Steve