cyanocoraxx:

peacock spiders

maratus are small jumping spiders, usually 4-5 mm (0.2 in) or smaller, with a high degree of sexual dimorphism. they are more commonly known as peacock spiders based on the peacock-like display of the males. jumping spiders have excellent vision and are remarkably intelligent, able to learn and plan ahead.

maratus sceletus

colloquially named “skeletorus” and described in 2015, this species is only found in the wondul range national park of southern queensland, australia. males inflate their striped spinnerets as they display to females and dance asymmetrically, alternately raising one leg to one side and then using the other.

maratus personatus

known as the blueface maratus, this dazzling spider uses its vivid blue mask to attract females. unlike other peacock spiders, the males lack the characteristic fan-like abdomen, and instead relies on its colouration and white banding. they range in size from 3mm to 5mm and were discovered in 2015.

maratus anomalus

with bright iridescent scales, m. anomalus can appear turquoise, dark blue or purple depending on the angle you view it. these miniature spiders are small even by maratus standards, ranging from just 2 to 3mm. they appear to prefer sparse brush near the coast.

maratus spicatus

one of the smallest peacock spiders to date, this species is 3mm but still easily recognisable. it’s found in and around the bushland reserves of perth, western australia, where it prefers habitats of loose leaf litter, twigs and low vegetation. the males display by raising just one white-tipped third leg to attract the attentions of a female. this species was described in 2013.

maratus nigromaculatus

this brilliant blue spider is restricted in distribution to the coastal areas of queensland, where it seems prefers wetlands. it lives amongst grass and pigface plants (carpobrotus), particularly along the borders of estuaries. unlike the other peacock spiders nigromaculatus was described back in 1883.

maratus speciosus

also called the coastal peacock spider, this tiny 4mm species exclusively inhabits the vegetation of the coastal sand dunes in western australia. the characteristic orange hairs are only visible during courtship displays. described in 1874, the species used to be classed as salticus, but was moved to maratus.