February 5, 2026, 4:03 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
A spider that looks like a Pokémon? What many might think are AI-generated photos actually exist. Platythomisus octomaculatus—also known as the eight-spotted crab spider—surprises with a striking resemblance to the most famous Pokémon, earning it the nickname “Pikachu-Spider.” PETBOOK editor and biologist Saskia Schneider explains what this spider is all about, where to find it, and why it has such an unusual color.
A Spider That Looks Like a Pokémon
If the Pokémon Pikachu could transform into a spider, it would probably look like Platythomisus octomaculatus. This arachnid, also known as the eight-spotted crab spider, even fascinates people who are usually afraid of spiders.
As the name suggests, this spider has eight black spots on its bright yellow abdomen. There are also two black spots around its eyes, giving it button-like eyes that it doesn’t actually have. To complete the resemblance to Pokémon Pikachu, its legs and pedipalps (the small sensory appendages next to the mouthparts on the head) are black at the ends, as if the spider dipped them in ink. In English, this earned it the nickname “Pikachu-Spider.”
The Pikachu-Spider was discovered long before Pokémon existed. The species was already described in 19th-century literature. Generally, there are few sources describing this species. Little is known about its life, except that it lives on small trees and waits for prey, as is typical for crab spiders.1
Where the Pikachu-Spider Lives
The spider’s appearance is best documented. With a size of up to 2.5 centimeters (excluding legs), they are among the largest crab spiders. The color doesn’t always have to be Pikachu-yellow. They also come in orange to red, as numerous photos document.2
Thanks to their colorful appearance, the Pikachu-Spider is very popular with macro photographers—provided they can capture a specimen. Good chances for this are in Singapore, Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka. Most photo captures today come from Singapore.3
What Does the Pikachu-Spider Eat?
Besides its appearance, little else is known about this species. As a member of the crab spider family—recognizable by the very long front two pairs of legs—it is an ambush predator. It doesn’t build webs but waits for the right opportunity to strike.
Most crab spiders feed on insects that can be as large or even larger than themselves. Thanks to their potent venom, they can quickly overpower their prey and hold them in a vice grip with their strong legs. Many crab spiders lurk on flowers to catch insects such as beetles, flies, and bees.
Why Is the Spider So Brightly Colored?
Most crab spiders are perfectly adapted to their environment and well camouflaged. Some species can even change color depending on the environment they live and hunt in. The Pikachu-Spider stands out completely. Most photos show the spider on green leaves, so there’s no talk of camouflage here.
There are no scientific sources or assessments yet on why Platythomisus octomaculatus is so brightly colored. At first glance, such coloring seems counterproductive, as the spider can be seen from afar. This could also be true for potential prey and predators.
Biologically, there are two approaches to conspicuous coloring: attraction, meaning luring prey, or deterrence. Black spots on a yellow background can also serve as a warning in the animal kingdom—we know this from wasps. Other animals also use these signal colors.
Not the Only Pikachu-Spider
Another spider might provide a clue to the answer, as the eight-spotted crab spider is not the only one with the nickname Pikachu-Spider. Micrathena sagittata is also sometimes called that. It belongs to the orb-weaver spiders and stands out with its bright yellow abdomen, which has two long black spines at the end, reminiscent of Pikachu’s typical head shape.
Scientists suspect that this conspicuous coloring helps the spider attract prey. To test their hypothesis, researchers used a black marker to cover the yellow color of some spiders. These spiders then had much less success hunting, supporting the researchers’ hypothesis.4
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Is the Pikachu-Spider Venomous or Dangerous?
Whether Platythomisus octomaculatus has more hunting success due to its color or simply wants to deter is uncertain without further research. It’s also unclear if the spider is venomous or dangerous to humans. There is no information about the strength or type of venom or documentation of bite incidents.
Theoretically, the spider would be large enough to bite humans. Judging by some Instagram photos, this species doesn’t seem particularly aggressive. There should be no acute danger to humans.5
Can You Keep the Pikachu-Spider as a Pet?
The sad answer is: Yes, you can. There are indeed some dealers worldwide who sell these spiders. However, there is no qualified information anywhere about the proper care of these spiders. Since they are rarely seen in the wild, little is known about their population status. Therefore, exotic spiders should generally come from captive breeding.
More importantly, one should question the wisdom of keeping these spiders as pets. Due to their attractive coloring, there is a great risk that many people acquire these animals purely for their appearance and pay little attention to their lifestyle and proper care, and, even worse, influence others through social media posts to get such a spider.