Discover

Today
Animals
Explore
Archive
Search

Use it

Classroom
Resources
Field lab
Quiz
Saved

Trust

Methodology
Sources
Corrections
Accessibility
Contributors

Details

About
Contact
Privacy
Terms
Newsletter

Animal profile

Peacock Spider

Maratus volans

ArachnidaDry sclerophyll woodland, heath and coastal scrub, on low vegetation and leaf litter

Field profile

A jumping spider of about five millimetres in which the male carries a brilliantly patterned abdominal flap. Courtship combines a raised fan, waved legs and vibrations sent through the ground. Females are drab and, if unimpressed, dangerous to the suitor.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2023-10-22

Peacock Spider

The peacock spider dances for its life

A male raises a coloured abdominal fan, waves his third pair of legs and drums vibrations through the leaf litter. A female who does not accept the display may treat the performer as food rather than as a mate.

Read with evidence →

Peacock Spider | Daily Animal Facts